Met Eireann have now extended the thunder and lightning warning for Munster to four more counties.
Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois and Galway now join the six counties of Munster which are under warning from now until 10pm this evening.
A forecaster said: "Clusters of slow-moving thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening with lightning activity and local downpours. Some hail in places also."
This comes on the hottest day of the year so far in Ireland with parts of the country seeing temperatures as high as 25C.
A forecaster added: "Many areas will be dry, calm and warm for the rest of today with further spells of hazy sunshine. Scattered showers developing too though, especially across the southwest; slow moving thundery downpours here may lead to some possible flooding.
"Highest temperatures will range 19 to 23 or 24 degrees Celsius, warmest across the south-midlands; a little cooler across north Ulster and on coasts with sea breezes.
