Thunderstorm warning issued

A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Thursday by Met Éireann for 26 counties, including Westmeath, Roscommon and Offaly.

The weather warning, which comes into force at 6am on Thursday, is for thundery spells of rain with the risk of lightning and local hail. Localised flooding and hazardous driving conditions are also predicted.

The warning is due to last until 7pm Thursday.

For the rest of today, Met Éireann forecasts scattered showers will develop later in the afternoon with some heavy rain likely .

Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees in a light to moderate southerly breeze.

Tonight will be cloudy with blustery outbreaks of rain gradually extending across the province from the west.