Heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected this week, Met Eireann warns

It was good while it lasted.

After each weekend in May being full of sunshine and warm weather, it's not set to last throughout the week. As unpredictable as Irish weather can be, it's really set to do a u-turn this week as Met Eireann has given a warning for the next few days. Heavy downpours are expected this week with thunderstorms expected in some areas. While temperatures are staying high Met Eireann has forecasted the dry weather to be a thing of the past as a weather warning is put in place. A Status Yellow Gale warning is remaining in place from Mizen Head to Loop Head to Erris Head from Monday to Wednesday. Southeast winds are expected to occasionally reach gale force 8 on Irish coastal waters in these areas, with the south and southeast set to see the worst of these conditions. Rain is to become widespread this morning, with showers hitting during the week, but it will clear up for another nice weekend. The forecaster said: “A mixed week ahead with showers or even heavy rain Tuesday but might improve for weekend”. Monday is set to start with showery rain in many areas and heavy downpours in places, clearing northwards in the afternoon. Showers will be heavy with the potential for localised thundery downpours. Temperatures are set to reach 20 degrees. Tuesday will see more rain despite a dry night, becoming widespread in the afternoon and thunder downpours likely in some areas. Temperatures are set to reach 17 degrees. Wednesday is set to be dry as rain will spread northwards across the country through the afternoon and evening but heavy downpours are still possible. Highest temperatures of 18 degrees. Thursday will see a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, heavier over the west of Ireland but set to be dry overall with highest temperatures of 18 degrees. While the weather could drastically change for the weekend, Friday is set to be very showery or wet with some blustery or strong winds with sun and scattered showers on the way on Saturday and drier weather for Sunday.