Met Éireann has extended a Status Yellow high temperature warning until 9:00a.m on Saturday (June 27).

It has also issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for six counties: Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo.

This could result in:

Localised flooding;
Lightning damage;
Hail;
Hazardous driving conditions;
Gusty winds.

The Status Yellow thunderstorm alert is in place from 3:00pm today (Thursday, June 25) until tomorrow, Friday 6:00pm.

The national meteorological service has also warned that the maximum temperature could hit 31°.

The next seven days will see temperatures several degrees above the June average, according to Met Éireann.

Farmers have been advised that, because of the hot temperatures, it is important to only spray early in the morning, or late in the evening when "temperatures drop below product thresholds".

A Condition Orange High Fire Risk notice is also in place and farmers should be very mindful of the risk currently posed by dead grasses and dry shrubs such as heather and gorse.

Farmers have also been urged to take proactive steps to mitigate heat stress for livestock which can severely threaten animal welfare.

With temperatures on the increase they have been advised to check water points daily as animals can double their water intake during extreme heat.

If it is possible they should consider putting in place extra troughs in order to ensure there is an adequate water supply for livestock.

High temperature alert

According to Met Éireann, it will be "hot and humid" across the country today (Thursday, June 25).

Although it will be mainly dry with good sunshine for most some thunderstorms could also develop, mainly in the west and north-west.

"Highest temperatures of 25° to 31°, possibly higher in some places, with the hottest temperatures expected across the midlands and west. East to south-east breezes will be light to moderate," Met Éireann outlined.

However some showers will spread mainly in the west and north-west at first but then develop in other areas overnight.

Some of these showers could be heavy and possibly thundery with a continuing chance of "localised flooding and frequent lightning".

In general, it will be warm and humid tonight with lowest temperatures of just 17° to 20°.

In parts of the west and north-west, it is likely to be cooler with the potential for moderate, northerly winds, becoming gusty in any thunderstorms.

Road safety

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has advised road users to take extra care when using the roads in light of the Status Yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms.

The RSA said that localised flooding is possible this evening and tomorrow across Connacht, Ulster, and parts of Leinster and Munster.

"Intense downpours may result in the rapid flooding of roads, properties, and low-lying areas with little warning," it added.

The RSA advice to motorists includes slowing down and allow a greater braking distance between a car and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.

It also recommends that if the road ahead is flooded, drivers of vehicles should choose another route and not attempt to drive through it.