WEATHER FORECAST: Wild weekend in store for Kilkenny as thunderstorms hit

Thunderstorms will cause dangerous conditions across the southern half of the country this weekend, with heavy showers also bringing the possibility of snow in parts.

In its latest forecast, Met Éireann warned of more hazardous days to come after Kilkenny and most other counties were hit with ice and rain alerts this week.

The forecaster said today will see a “wet start with outbreaks of rain and drizzle in most areas, turning heavy at times”. It added: “It will be drier for a time in the north and northeast before rain spreads there by afternoon. The rain will slowly clear northwards during the afternoon and evening, with heavy showers following from the southwest. There is the chance of thunderstorms and hail, particularly over the southern half of the country.”

Tomorrow will begin brightly, but scattered showers will develop through the morning, most prolonged near northwest coasts. But Met Éireann warned: “Cloud will build from the south through the day with rain spreading across the southern half of the country by evening, turning heavy at times with the chance of sleet and snow, particularly over high ground. Becoming windy too as easterly winds increase fresh to strong through the day. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees.”

It will stay wet and windy for most of Sunday with widespread showery rain, and fresh to strong and gusty easterly winds veering westerly. However, the national forecaster said “some drier and brighter spells” will develop in the evening, with highest temperatures of between 6 to 10 degrees.

It will be largely dry and bright on Monday, though patchy drizzle will linger in parts of the south and east with the odd light shower elsewhere.

However, Met Éireann said it will become unsettled again towards midweek, with spells of rain spreading from the Atlantic.