Weather warning issued for widespread rain and possible thunderstorms in Ireland

A weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann for widespread rain and possible thunderstorms, as festivalgoers face heavy downpours over the weekend.

The forecaster issued the national advisory for wet weather, saying “heavy showers or longer spells of rain” will become widespread from the south-west on Saturday night and during Sunday.

The advisory is valid from 3am on Sunday until Monday, with a warning of localised flooding.

Met Éireann has warned of some localised torrential downpours with the potential for thunderstorms, lightning and associated gusty winds.

“While they will be hit and miss, some localised flooding may occur,” it added.

Meanwhile, thousands of people attending Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co Laois, will be hit with rain throughout Saturday and into Sunday.

Donal Egan, of Met Éireann, said: “The weather is going to remain unsettled for the weekend and into next week, with plenty of rain and showers turning very heavy at times. It’ll be breezy at times too.

“(Saturday) is a very wet morning for most with widespread rain, drizzle and mist. The rain turning very heavy and persistent at times with localised flooding possible. A drier start for the north, though, with the rain yet to reach much of Ulster.

“While the rain will clear eastwards through the morning and afternoon, it will linger in parts of Leinster and Ulster for much of the day.

“Munster and Connacht should see some sunny spells developing.

“Highs today of 15-20C with lightly northerly winds backing westerly.

“Tonight, any lingering rain in Ulster will clear, leaving a mix of cloud and clear spells and just isolated showers at first. As the night progresses scattered showers or more persistent spells of rain will spread from the south-west.

“Lows tonight of 10-15C.

“Tomorrow, Sunday, we’ll see widespread showers or more persistent spells of rain. Again these will be very heavy at times with thunderstorms and localised flooding possible.

“Some sunny spells should develop through the day too, though. Highs of 16-21C.

“Monday, we’ll start off breezy with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers. Cloud will thicken from the west through the afternoon and evening with outbreaks of rain and drizzle following. Highs of just 15-18C.

“Sunny spells and scattered showers for Tuesday with highs of 15-20C.”

In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has warned of heavier showers developing during the evening, especially in the south, becoming drier towards dawn with some clear spells later and light winds.

Published: 29/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub