MET Eireann has extended a four-hour thunderstorm warning that kicks in NOW to include three more counties.
The alert warns of “scattered thunderstorms with a chance of hail” and follows reports that 10 cattle were killed on a farm in Co Cavan after lightening struck the earth in a “freak event”.
Five counties have been placed under a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning[/caption]
Met Eireann today placed Waterford and Wexford under a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning, kicking in just before 2pm.
The weather boffins upgraded the warning to include Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary at 3:30pm.
The Status Yellow alert, which warns of spot flooding and lightning damage, will expire in all five counties at 6pm this evening.
Looking at the forecast ahead this afternoon, Met Eireann said: “Some showers will be heavy and thundery with some hail possible before they become more isolated this evening.
“Cool with highest temperatures of 12C to 16C in moderate northwest winds.”
The weather bosses confirmed it will be dry at first tonight with clear spells.
But later in the night, scattered showers will spread across the country from the northwest as temperatures plummet between 4C and 9C.
Separately, 10 cattle yesterday died after lightening struck the earth in field in the Butlersbridge area of Co Cavan.
The county was under a thunderstorm warning until 6pm yesterday evening.
It is understood the cows had taken shelter from heavy rain under a tree in the middle of the field when a bolt of lightning struck the earth, killing the 10 heifers instantly.
Maurice Brady, County Chair of the IFA told the Anglo Celt it was “big tragedy” for the farmer, adding: “Hopefully it doesn’t happen anyone else.”
Senator Sarah O’Reilly, who sits on the Agricultural Panel, described the incident as “an unbelievable freak event”.
She told the Anglo Celt: “For that kind of an event to happen any person is shocking.
“The cost financially and emotionally to a farmer who spends his time looking after his herd, his cattle, his stock.
“To go into the field and see something like that must have been just gutting.”
Meanwhile, Met Eireann has forecast the weather over the next week to be “continuing changeable”, but added that it will gradually become milder and more humid over the next few days.
The forecaster has pinpointed Wednesday as the hottest day of the week, with temperatures possibly reaching 22C in some spots.
Met Eireann said: “Wednesday will be a warm, humid and mostly cloudy day with a fair amount of dry weather and some rain or drizzle in places.
“Highest temperatures of 18C to 21C or 22C with moderate south to southeast winds.”
