Status orange warning in place for Cork as Met Éireann warns of thunderstorms and downpours  

Met Éireann has issued a status orange thunderstorm warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford for Thursday evening, with the forecaster warning of heavy downpours that may lead to flooding in some places. 

The warning will come into effect from 4pm and will remain in place until 7pm.

The national forecaster has advised that due to the ongoing period of severe weather, thunderstorms are likely to develop this afternoon, with possible impacts including heavy downpours of rain, leading to flooding in some areas, lightning damage, hail, hazardous driving conditions, and very gusty winds.

It is one of three warnings currently in place as a status yellow high-temperature warning for the entire country issued earlier this week has been extended until 9am on Saturday.

Ireland has been under a status yellow high temperature warning since midday on Tuesday, as a plume of extremely hot air brought temperatures in excess of 40C to Europe.

The warning comes as temperatures soared across Cork this week, seeing highs in excess of 27C today in some parts of the county.

Met Éireann has predicted a warm and muggy night tonight, with temperatures ranging between 16C and 20C, slightly offset by mainly light and variable breezes.

Tomorrow is also expected to be warm and humid in Cork, with sunny spells and showers, some of which could be heavy and thundery, bringing a chance of localised flooding.

Cloud, mist and fog will further develop along the South coast of Munster from late morning, with temperatures in Cork city expected to reach between 16C and 21C throughout the day.

On Saturday, cloudier conditions are expected to develop in Cork, with temperatures ranging from 16C to 18C.

Clear conditions are then expected again on Cork on Sunday. However, temperatures are predicted to gradually drop in comparison to earlier this week, ranging between 15C and 16C.