A status yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for 23 counties today as more miserable weather hits.
All of Connacht, Leinster and Ulster are under the alert from midday until 9pm with the potential for spot flooding in parts.
A Met Eireann forecaster said: "Scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, bringing some heavy downpours with a risk of hail and localised spot flooding."
The national forecaster is predicting a poor weekend overall with plenty of rain with the odd spells of sunshine.
The forecaster added: "Rain and cloud will gradually clear northeastwards this morning, with sunny spells and heavy showers following from the southwest. Heavy showers will become widespread across Munster, Leinster and Connacht through the morning and afternoon, with some thunderstorms and the risk of spot flooding.
"However, cloud and light rain will linger over much of Ulster through the day. Highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees in light to moderate southeasterly or variable winds.
"Showers will largely die out early tonight, with most areas becoming dry with clear spells and just isolated showers. It will be cloudier for a time in the southwest with patchy light rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees with mist and fog developing in a light variable breeze."
