Several Irish counties hit with warning for heavy rain and possible thunderstorms

A heavy rain and thunderstorms warning has been issued for many Irish counties

Valid for 24 hours from 10 am on Thursday, the alert states that there will be "spells of heavy rain with a chance of isolated thunderstorms".

"Potential Impacts: Localised flooding, poor visibility, difficult travelling conditions," it also reads.

As for the rest of the country, Met Éireann says that Thursday will be a cool and breezy day with "a mix of sunny spells and showers".

It also states that some of these showers will be "heavy with a chance of isolated thunderstorms and hail".

"Spot flooding is possible, mainly in the west and northwest. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees, with moderate to fresh, gusty southwest winds, strong at times along west and south coasts," the forecast also reads.

As for the coming weekend and the start of next week, Met Éireann predicts that the weather will remain "generally unsettled and changeable".