Yellow thunderstorm warning for Westmeath and Offaly

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Westmeath, Offaly, and 10 other counties as hot and humid conditions continue across Ireland.

The warning is in effect from 9am to 6pm today (Friday) and covers Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, all of Connacht, and the counties of Kildare, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath.

Forecasters say scattered thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, although they stress that the storms will be hit-and-miss, meaning some areas may avoid them altogether while others could see heavy downpours in a short period.

Potential impacts include localised flooding, hail, difficult driving conditions, very gusty winds and disruption to utilities, including electricity, water, gas and telecommunications.

The thunderstorm warning comes as a separate Status Yellow high temperature warning remains in force nationwide until 9am on Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to exceed 27 degrees Celsius in many areas, with overnight temperatures remaining above 15 degrees, making for uncomfortable sleeping conditions.