Ireland's heatwave comes to sudden end with thunderstorms and heavy downpours

Ireland's heatwave came to a sudden end on Sunday evening with thunderstorms and heavy rain moving across much of the country.

Despite the mercury hitting highs above 31 degrees on Saturday, the weather is set to change as we enter a new week.

Scattered heavy downpours moved in from the southwest on Sunday afternoon, with showers reaching many parts of the island by Sunday night.

Met Éireann issued a status-orange thunderstorm warning for Co Mayo from 7.30pm until 10pm on Sunday. During this period there will be “very heavy downpours” in parts of the county, the forecaster said.

This could lead to flash flooding, potential damage to power lines and very difficult travelling conditions with poor visibility.

A status-yellow thunderstorm alert is in operation for Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Connacht until 10pm on Sunday.

Met Éireann is warning of heavy, thundery downpours, which could lead to lightning damage, surface water flooding, difficult travelling conditions and may impact some outdoor events.

Rain will continue moving northward on Monday morning and will be followed by sunny spells and scattered showers, Met Éireann said.

More heavy and thundery downpours are possible, with highs of 14 to 23 degrees.

This week is set to be generally unsettled as low pressure dominates, according to the forecaster.

It comes after the highest temperature of the year so far was recorded on Saturday – 31.1 degrees at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon.