Met Eireann has predicted an absolute wash-out across the country over the next 16 hours as a weather warning remains in effect.
The status yellow thunderstorm and rain alert has been in place since 6am on Thursday and will remain so until 10pm - with storm activity expected to bring a risk of very heavy rain, possibly leading to localised flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
Thunder and lighting are due across the west and north of the country, while forecasters predict no county will escape the rain.
By Thursday afternoon, the showers will reportedly be widespread bringing with them potential spot flooding and hail.
Despite the torrential weather, temperatures look set to remain high, varying between 16 and 20C - coldest in the north and warmest in the east.
Alongside the forecasted rain and hail are strong and gusty winds which are expected to veer westerly and calm down slightly before increasing from fresh to strong and gusty in the southwest again this evening.
These conditions will continue into the night and will be quite breezy with the heaviest and most frequent rain over the northern half of the country.
Lowest nighttime temperatures will be between 11 and 14 degrees in moderate to fresh westerly winds, which will occasionally strengthen throughout the night.
Get the stories that matter to you straight to your inbox by signing up for one of our free newsletters
