Thunderstorm warning in place, temperatures reach 32C

A thunderstorm warning remains in effect for six counties as temperatures reached 32C in parts of the country yesterday.

The highest recorded temperature, of 32.1C, was at a weather station in Athenry, Co Galway.A spokesperson for Met Éireann said that it was a record high for the station and that other stations across the country also broke their own records.

"Some temperatures are still rising, so the picture will be clearer tomorrow, but Athenry has taken the record today.

"She added that the highest temperatures for the month of June are expected to be broken.A swimmer makes a splash in Clontarf, Dublin.

The warning for Connaught and Donegal is in place until 9am this morning.

A further Status Yellow thunderstorm warning is due to come into effect at 9am and will include Connaught and Donegal as well as counties Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, Connacht, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath.

This warning will be in place until 6pm this evening.

An earlier thunderstorm warning, for Munster, expired at midnight. Flooding, hail damage and very gusty winds are possible impacts, Met Éireann warned, as well as hazardous driving conditions and damage to utilities.

"If anyone is out on the roads ... do take extra care as these things can come along quite suddenly ... so do keep the speed down on the roads," forecaster Linda Hughes told RTÉ's Drivetime yesterday.

Motorists are being advised to slow down, allow a greater braking distance in wet conditions, and to be aware that visibility can be reduced during thunderstorms.

All road users are advised not to travel through flooded roads and to obey closure signage put in place by local authorities or gardaí.

Meanwhile, a high temperature warning was extended until Saturday at 9am.

Met Éireann said that Ireland is experiencing intense heat and humidity and another "tropical night" is possible.

It said the high temperature warning includes water safety concerns, due to increased use of lakes and beaches, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, and possible forest fires.

People are being urged to keep hydrated, stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, avoid strenuous activity, and not to leave people and animals unattended in vehicles for any period of time.