Ireland weather authorities have issued a thunderstorm warning across the country this week.

The officials also provided a heavy rain forecast, which will coincide with the 'unusual' storm warning.

In its latest Ireland weather forecast, the Irish meteorologists have indicated large hail and damaging winds will be the greatest risk. Flooding due to torrential rain is also possible.

Thunderstorm Alert

Ireland weather
(Photo : Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

Met Eireann, Ireland's national meteorological service, issued the thunderstorm warning on Wednesday, May 18.

Under the warning, a mixture of heavy showers with thunder and humid with mild temperatures is possible at times. 

The thunderstorm alert will be valid until the weekend.

The inclement weather forecast comes before the country will experience a rise in temperatures starting next week.

The Irish weather agency summarizes its weather prediction that afternoon rain may be embedded with severe storms.

Also Read: Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice: Severe Weather Warnings Issued to England and Across the UK

Ireland Weather Today

Meanwhile, Ireland will be enveloped by dry and sunny weather on Thursday, May 19, with isolated rain showers in Connacht and Ulster.

The national weather forecast estimated that the highest temperatures can range between 14 to 17 degrees with gusty winds to the south and southwest, as well as strong to near gale force in the coastal areas.

The Met Eireann states the national weather will be mainly dry on Thursday evening.

However, the Dublin weather and its adjacent areas will be relatively calm as moderate to heavy rainfall will develop in the western part of the country.

Heavy downpours are also expected overnight with the lowest temperatures to reach 8 to 10 degrees accompanied by southerly winds.

Weekend Weather Forecast

The Ireland weather authorities have further expounded its storm alert for the weekend, which will be preceded by scattered heavy showers on Friday morning, May 20. The highest temperatures can reach between 14 to 16 degrees with moderate to fresh westerly winds.

On Friday evening, the wet weather will go back to being dry with 'clear spells' and transition to its lowest temperatures between 7 to 8 degrees, accompanied by moderate to fresh westerly winds.

In addition, rain showers will transpire from the afternoon until the evening of Saturday, May 21, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 17 degrees and light to moderate southwest winds.

This will also be the case for Sunday, May 22, but with fewer showers.

In its extended weather forecast, Met Eireann suggests further showers are still possible from Monday to Tuesday, May 23 to May 24.

Ireland Climate

Ireland's climate can be mild or temperate with warm summers and relatively cold winters, according to Tourism Ireland, the country's national tourism body.

Its winter season runs from December to February; spring from March to May; summer from June to August; and autumn from September to November.

Since Ireland is geographically adjacent to the UK, its climate and weather are almost the same.

However, the country along with the UK's Northern Ireland is amongst the first to be hit by storms that develop over the Atlantic Ocean.

In February, Storm Eunice and Storm Dudley, along with other Atlantic-borne storms, wreaked havoc across Ireland, according to The Irish Times.

This was also the case for the UK before the storms traversed Europe, causing several casualties and widespread damage.

Related Article: Forecasters Predict That Britain Will Be Warmer Than Ibiza and Crete Later This Week