A status yellow rain warning has been issued by Met Eireann, with rainfall accumulations of between 20mm and 35mm expected in many areas.
Heavy showers or longer spells of rain are forecast; there will also be a high risk of thunder and localised flooding.
The warning was issued earlier this morning; it came into effect at 6:00am and is set to remain in place until 9:00pm tonight (July 19).
Meanwhile, Met Eireann has also issued a status yellow potato blight warning earlier this morning.
Weather conducive to the spread of potato blight will be apparent for the rest of today, Thursday and Friday. There’ll be few, if any, opportunities for spraying, Met Eireann added.
Outlook
Heavy rain or showers with thunder in Munster, Connacht and south Leinster, are likely to gradually spread eastwards to all areas – with a continuing risk of thunder and localised flooding.
The rain will gradually clear northeastwards through the evening, as temperatures reach highs of 20º.
Tomorrow, Thursday, is expected to start off dry in the east. Showers in the west will spread eastwards through the morning and will become widespread by early afternoon, Met Eireann added.
There is a possibility that some of these showers could turn heavy or even thundery. Highest temperatures of 14º to 17º in moderate south to southwest winds are expected.
Thursday night is set to be wet in many areas following heavy or prolonged showers; there will be a risk of thunder and localised flooding.
Meanwhile, Friday is set to be cool and mostly cloudy. Further heavy showers and a continuing risk of thunder and localised flooding will be possible.
During the day, temperatures will reach highs of 13º to 17º in mostly moderate variable winds.