Status yellow thunderstorm warning issued for Cork, Kerry and Limerick

The status yellow warning covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow (Brian Lawless/PA)

A “heavy thunderstorm” alert has been issued for the south-west, with Met Éireann placing six other counties under a rainfall warning.

A status yellow thunderstorm warning – which also carries the risk of lightning, spot flooding and gusty winds – is in effect for Clare, Kerry and Limerick.

The advisory is due to expire at 4.30pm on Saturday, while other counties will also experience unsettled weather.

Six counties are bracing for possible thunderstorms as Met Éireann has issued a rain warning for the south and south-east.

There is a risk of localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions in Cork, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow from midday on Thursday.

The Status Yellow warning expires at 3am on Friday.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms Met Éireann said there would be “spells of heavy rain with a possibility of thunderstorms” throughout the period.

More generally, it forecast: “Thursday will start off dry in many areas.

“Rain across southern fringes will slowly extend to eastern and southern counties, heavy at times with the chance of thunderstorms and the potential for surface flooding.

“Drier and warmer across west and north-west counties with some sunny spells but the odd thundery shower may occur too. Highest temperatures of 18 to 24C.” 

It added: “Scattered outbreaks of rain will affect the country, locally heavy and thundery with the potential for some thunderstorms.

“However, it will likely become drier across the western half of the country.

“Patches of mist or fog may form in light variable, mainly westerly breezes. Lowest temperatures of 13C to 16C.” 

Scattered showers – some heavy and thundery – are expected into the weekend, with the weather agency also advising that current indications suggest “the early days of next week will continue to be unsettled with rain or showers at times”.