Heavy rain and thunderstorms spread northward across Ireland on Monday evening, August 3, as an Atlantic low-pressure system drew warm, humid air over the country.
Met Éireann issued Status Yellow warnings for six named counties. A rain warning covered Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow from 5 p.m. until midnight, while a separate thunderstorm warning was issued for Cork, Limerick and Tipperary from 3:34 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Forecasters warned that heavy downpours could cause spot flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.
Heavy rain moves north through Ireland
In its 7 p.m. national forecast, Met Éireann said showers and longer spells of rain would continue pushing north from southern Ireland during the evening.
Some downpours were expected to become heavy and potentially thundery, bringing lightning and a risk of local flooding. Humid air remained in place, accompanied by light to moderate southeasterly winds.
The unsettled weather developed as a low-pressure system approached from the Atlantic. Warm, moisture-rich air ahead of the system increased atmospheric instability, while the approaching frontal zone provided the lift needed for showers to deepen into thunderstorms.
This setup produces uneven rainfall. Some locations may receive only a brief shower, while nearby areas experience repeated downpours and much higher totals.
Forecast guidance indicated that thunderstorms could produce 15 to 30 mm (0.6 to 1.2 inches) of rain over a short period. Local totals of 40 to 50 mm (1.6 to 2 inches) were possible in parts of southeastern Ireland if several heavy showers crossed the same area.
Heavy rain and showers were forecast to extend northeastward across the country during Monday night, maintaining the threat of spot flooding.
The rain should gradually ease in most areas later in the night, although skies will remain mostly cloudy with limited clear spells. Temperatures are expected to fall no lower than 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F), making it another mild and humid night.
Light southerly breezes will continue transporting moisture across Ireland as the main rain area moves northeast.
Flooding can develop quickly where intense rainfall overwhelms drains, small streams and hard urban surfaces. Standing water, spray and sharply reduced visibility may create hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the evening and overnight.
Dublin faces heavy evening downpours
Showery rain also pushed northward into Dublin during Monday evening.
Met Éireann warned that some downpours could become heavy, creating a risk of spot flooding across the capital and surrounding areas. Light to moderate southeasterly winds accompanied the rain.
Heavy showers were expected at first overnight before clearing to mist and drizzle. Temperatures will remain between 13°C and 15°C (55°F and 59°F), with moderate southerly winds.
After a mostly cloudy start Tuesday, sunny spells should gradually develop across Dublin. Scattered showers will return, and some may become heavy or possibly thundery.
Temperatures in the capital are forecast to reach 21°C to 23°C (70°F to 73°F). A light southwesterly breeze will turn moderate and westerly during the evening.
The solar UV index will remain moderate to high, meaning ultraviolet exposure may still become significant during brighter periods between showers.
Thunderstorm focus shifts north Tuesday
Tuesday will begin cloudy and misty across much of Ireland, with patchy rain and drizzle in places.
Sunny intervals will gradually appear, but daytime heating within the humid air will help scattered showers redevelop. Some are expected to become heavy and thundery, particularly across Connacht and Ulster.
Temperatures will reach 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F), with the coolest conditions in the northwest. Winds will remain light to moderate, shifting from southwesterly to westerly.
The combination of brighter spells, lingering moisture and cooler air higher in the atmosphere may produce lightning and short bursts of intense rain.
Wednesday will turn cooler and rather windy as fresher Atlantic air moves across Ireland.
Outbreaks of rain and drizzle are expected across Ulster and mainly northern parts of Connacht and Leinster. Temperatures will fall to between 14°C and 19°C (57°F and 66°F), with rain gradually easing during the evening.
Thursday is forecast to bring further patchy rain and drizzle, with highs of 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F) in a light to moderate westerly breeze.
Low pressure is expected to remain influential through the rest of the week, maintaining a mixture of rain, showers and brief brighter intervals rather than a return to settled summer weather.
