Urgent Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Cork and Kerry NOW

UPDATE: Met Eireann has just issued an urgent thunderstorm warning for Cork and Kerry, effective immediately. Thousands of residents are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions, including localised flooding and lightning strikes, as severe thunderstorms are expected this evening.

The Status Yellow Warning took effect at 5:06 PM and will last until 8 PM, impacting travel and outdoor activities across the region. As concertgoers flock to Croke Park for the highly-anticipated Oasis concert, authorities warn that thunderstorms may create dangerous conditions.

According to Met Eireann, the weather will remain generally dry for much of the day, with temperatures ranging from 20C to 27C. However, heavy and thundery showers are predicted specifically for Munster, which could lead to difficult travel conditions for those heading out this evening.

Met Eireann stated, “A bit more cloud over Munster will bring showers, with some heavy and thundery downpours.” While Dublin will experience milder conditions, fans in Cork and Kerry should remain vigilant due to the storm threat.

As the evening progresses, conditions are expected to remain warm and humid, with temperatures dropping to between 12C and 15C overnight. For those attending the concert, the forecast suggests that the rain will primarily affect other areas, allowing for a relatively dry evening in the city.

In a related weather development, wildfire smoke from Spain and Portugal has reached Ireland, causing hazy conditions across parts of the south and southeast, particularly in Munster. This smoke could contribute to the atmospheric instability, creating a mix of sunshine and cloud cover.

Meteorologist Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel commented, “This plume will make for rather hazy conditions today.” He cautioned that this could lead to heavy, locally thundery showers, especially in the Dingle Peninsula later today.

The weather outlook for tomorrow shows a mix of sunny spells and potential showers, particularly in the far southwest. Temperatures are expected to remain warm, ranging from 19C to 26C, but with a renewed risk of thunderstorms later in the day.

Officials encourage the public to remain updated on weather alerts and exercise caution, particularly when traveling. The combination of thunderstorm activity and wildfire smoke may lead to stunning sunsets, as noted by Kenneth McDonagh from Donegal Weather Channel, who suggested that the smoke could enhance the beauty of the evening sky.

As the situation develops, residents in affected areas should stay tuned to Met Eireann for the latest updates and safety information.