Carlow basks in heat as storms strike south-west

Oak Park in Co Carlow was the warmest location in the country on Wednesday, as temperatures rose into the mid-20s across much of Ireland.

The thermometer reached 25.5 degrees in Carlow, just 0.3 degrees higher than Dublin Airport and 0.4 degrees ahead of both Athenry, Co Galway, and Dunsany, Co Meath.

Malin Head, Co Donegal, and Casement Aerodrome in Dublin each recorded the day’s maximum sunshine, with 11.8 hours logged. Athenry also reported the highest daily rainfall, with 11.9mm measured at the east Galway station.

Thunderstorms developed in parts of the south-west and west on Wednesday afternoon, with locally heavy downpours reported in north Kerry and west Clare. Lightning strikes were also recorded in these areas.

Ireland will remain under mostly warm and settled conditions over the coming week, with high pressure keeping much of the country dry and sunny.

Scattered thundery showers will develop at times, bringing the risk of local downpours. Temperatures are expected to widely reach the mid to high 20s in some areas before easing back towards average later next week as cooler air moves in from the north-west.