Thunder warning and high temperatures likely before an unsettled weekend

Met Éireann has issued a yellow-level thunderstorm warning for Ireland in the latter part of Thursday and early Friday.

The weather warning is due to come into effect at 4pm tomorrow, a day when temperatures could climb into the mid-20s in the Midlands.

"Heavy thunderstorms are expected to develop later on Thursday and Thursday night with some severe downpours, hail and spot flooding," Met Éireann warned.

However, it added that the localised nature of the thunderstorms would mean that some parts of the country would avoid them altogether.

Overall, Thursday is expected to see warm and sunny spells in the early part of the day, with temperatures of between 22 and 26 degrees in Leinster, however showers will then develop in the afternoon and through the evening and night.

Temperatures will decrease to between 15 and 21 degrees on Friday, a day with some heavy and prolonged showers.

It will then become even cooler on Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures in the mid to low teens amid freshening winds and continuing showers.