Thunderstorm warnings remain in place across Ireland
Thunderstorm warnings are in effect on Friday for all of Northern Ireland and several counties in the Republic, with a Status Orange warning issued for Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon until 8pm. The warnings follow a day of record-challenging heat across the island on Thursday.
Thousands without power after lightning strikes
ESB Networks reported that as of 11am Friday, 8,000 customers were without power due to lightning strikes. The National Severe Weather and Flooding Co-ordination Group met on Friday and stated that while Friday will remain very warm, temperatures are expected to decrease on Saturday.
Heatwave conditions and record temperatures
Ireland has been experiencing sweltering conditions as a plume of extremely hot air, which brought temperatures exceeding 40C to Europe, drifted towards the island this week. On Thursday, temperatures in the Republic exceeded 31C but fell short of the all-time record of 33.3C set at Kilkenny Castle on June 26, 1887. Provisional local records were set at Athenry (31.7C), Mace Head (30.4C), Claremorris (30.7C), and Knock Airport (29C). In Northern Ireland, the fourth hottest June day was recorded, with the Armagh Observatory reaching 29.8C, close to the June record of 30.4C set on June 27, 2018. Northern Ireland's overall record is 31.3C on July 21, 2021, at Castlederg, Co Tyrone.
Status Orange warning details
Met Éireann issued a Status Orange thunderstorm warning for counties Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon, valid until 8pm Friday. The warning cites a risk of lightning and hail damage due to a cluster of thunderstorms expected this afternoon and evening. A status yellow high temperature warning has been in place since noon Tuesday and was extended until 9am Saturday. Additionally, a yellow-level thunderstorm warning is in effect for 16 counties, expiring at 6pm for Clare, Tipperary, Kildare, Laois, Meath, Offaly, and Westmeath, and until 10pm for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Longford, and the five counties in Connacht.
Potential impacts and advice
Met Éireann warned of localized flooding, hail damage, difficult driving conditions, and very gusty winds. There could also be damage to power, water, gas, and telecommunication utilities. The Met Office issued a yellow-level thunderstorm warning for all of Northern Ireland from 10am to 10pm, advising that scattered thunderstorms may cause disruption. People are advised to stay in the shade, use sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. They are also urged to look out for others who may be affected by the weather.
Heatwave definition possible
The continued high temperatures mean parts of Ireland may fall under the official definition of a heatwave, after experiencing five consecutive summer days above 25C.
