Trick or treaters across south Leinster and south Munster may encounter a natural fireworks display this evening as thunderstorms develop in six counties.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork and Waterford. Heavy rain and thundery showers are expected from 7pm to 10pm on Friday 31 October.

Potential impacts include spot flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

Up to 10 to 15 millimetres of rain could fall in short periods this evening. Combined with already saturated or waterlogged ground, this may lead to water running off surfaces. Fallen leaves could block gullies and drains, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

It has already been a wet and windy 24 hours. Roches Point in Cork recorded a wind gust of 101 km/h yesterday, while Cork Airport received almost an inch of rain.

Unsettled weather is expected to continue through the first half of November, with rain, showers and strong winds at times. Conditions should turn calmer and drier later in the month as high pressure builds from the south.