Downpours and thunderstorms this afternoon

Olga Aughey

Intense torrential rain, thunder and lightning, hailstones are all forecast for this afternoon, Friday July 19.

Met Éireann have issued a yellow rainfall warning for the entire country with 20-30mm rain predicted in some areas.

However, Midland Weather Channel's Cathal Nolan says the midlands will see the worst of the weather and to expect "some claps of thunder".

"The midlands in particular will see some intense showers this afternoon, some thunderstorms rolling around, and even very heavy hailstones in places."

The inclement weather is as a result of a low pressure system passing over Ireland throughout the night, meeting the subsequent warm weather system today.

That's according to Cathal who adds that Mullingar is at the highest risk of experiencing thunder and lightning.

"The risk will commence shortly after 1-2pm today and continues right up until 7-8pm this evening at least.

"Mullingar and its surrounds experiences some of the highest temperatures in the midlands, so it's almost always at a high risk for thunder when it occurs."

High temperatures

That is only half of the story however as the unstable weather pattern will intensify throughout the weekend and next week, brining very high temperatures.

"Temperatures are set to increase daily over the weekend, with Saturday being the sunniest day. Temperatures will reach 19-20 degrees C.

"Sunday will be hot and humid again, 22-23 degrees C, but with some heavy cloud around and a chance of thundery rain.

"Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will see temperatures reach as high as 26-27 degrees C.

"There will be more cloudy conditions during these days bringing further chance of thundery downpours."

The unstable air mass causing these tropical conditions originated south of the Azores, carried north by a strong jet stream with a "strong buckle in it" according to Cathal.

A further heatwave is expected to hit Europe, including France, Spain and the Benelux countries, each to get temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s. Southern parts of the UK are also expected to benefit.