Weather Warning: Midlands hit by thunderstorms and lightning
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for many midlands counties.
Met Éireann says localised thunderstorms and heavy downpours are possible in 11 counties: in Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Galway, Leitrim and Roscommon.
While Laois is not on the list, Met Éireann's charts show showers impacting the north and west of the county.
The warning, which says lightning is also possible, is in effect until 10pm Friday night May 5. MORE BELOW TWEET.
As for the weekend outlook, Met Éireann says it will be unsettled with rain or showers most days however it will be mild or warm, especially where there are sunny spells. MORE DETAIL BELOW TWEET.
National Forecast ISSUED on May 5 at 5.08pm
Friday NIGHT: Residual showers will continue overnight but will become isolated with some mist and fog patches developing. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in very light southerly breezes.
Saturday: A mix of sunshine and showers, most frequent in the afternoon and evening with a further chance of some thundery downpours. Highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees in light southerly breezes.
Becoming drier early in the night under broken cloud with lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees, with light southerly breezes.
SUNDAY: Sunny spells and scattered light showers during the morning and early afternoon, followed later by cloudier skies as rain and drizzle gradually extends countrywide, last to arrive to the east. Highest temperatures will range 14 to 19 degrees, warmest in the east, in moderate south to southwest winds.
Heavy rain will follow overnight, clearing into the Irish Sea before morning. Low cloud and mist too. Very mild with lowest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees, in moderate south to southwest winds.
MONDAY: A day of sunny spells and scattered passing showers with a few heavy ones possible. Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees, in mostly moderate westerly winds.
Becoming mostly dry overnight with clear spells to start. Cloud will thicken before dawn from the west with patchy rain or drizzle developing. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees with light to moderate southwesterly breezes.
TUESDAY: Outbreaks of rain in the west on Tuesday will spread eastwards, with sunny spells and isolated showers following. Highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees, with light southwesterly winds freshening and becoming westerly behind the rain.