Lightning strikes recorded across north Leinster and south Ulster

Thunderstorm activity lit up parts of north Leinster and south Ulster on Saturday evening, with extensive lightning reported.

Meteologix confirmed several cloud-to-ground strikes around Knockbridge, Tallanstown and Dundalk in Co Louth at about 5pm, while a separate strike was recorded southwest of Armagh.

It was a wet day across much of the country, though the southeast and south remained largely dry. In the west, Athenry, Co Galway, recorded 19.4mm of rainfall, while Finner, Co Donegal, measured 12.1mm.

Ireland now faces an unsettled 10-day spell of weather, with Atlantic systems set to dominate conditions. Periods of heavy rain, blustery winds and below-average temperatures are expected.

The first half of the week will be particularly wet and windy, with repeated bands of rain moving in from the Atlantic and a risk of localised flooding in parts of the west and north. Travel may also be hampered by gusty winds, especially near coasts.

Conditions should ease somewhat by midweek, with brighter and drier interludes developing. However, further outbreaks of rain are forecast to return by Friday and into the weekend.

From late in the week, nights will turn notably cooler, bringing a more autumnal feel. Early next week, high pressure may offer a brief window of settled weather, though forecasters caution that no prolonged dry spell is signalled.