Parts of Ireland are experiencing particularly unsettled weather this Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Yellow warnings have been issued due to the risk of thunderstorms, heavy rain and localised flooding. Travellers are advised to check weather conditions before setting off, particularly in the north and west of the country.
The warning issued by Met Éireann covered the five counties of Connacht — Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim — as well as Donegal and Cavan. Valid during the morning, it warned of the risk of thundery showers, lightning, poor visibility and water accumulating on roads.
Even after an official warning has ended, conditions can remain difficult in some areas. As alerts may be extended, amended or reissued, it is advisable to check forecasts regularly.
Travel in Ireland could be difficult
Flooded roads, reduced visibility and localised thunderstorms
The main disruption could come from brief but particularly heavy rainfall. Beneath the most active thunderstorm cells, water can quickly build up on road surfaces and cause localised flooding. Visibility may also deteriorate suddenly.
These conditions remain highly localised: two neighbouring areas can experience radically different weather. One area may be hit by a heavy shower accompanied by lightning, while a location just a few kilometres away remains calmer.
Particular caution is advised on small rural roads, which are often narrow and bordered by ditches. Drivers should slow down in heavy rain, leave greater stopping distances and never drive onto a flooded road when the water depth is unknown.
Northern Ireland also affected by thunderstorms
A separate warning monitored by the Met Office
Across the border, the Met Office is also monitoring a risk of thunderstorms in Northern Ireland. The six counties may see heavy rain, lightning and some local disruption during the day and evening.
Visitors travelling between Donegal, Derry, Belfast or the border counties should therefore consult both weather services: Met Éireann for the Republic of Ireland and the Met Office for Northern Ireland.
Weather conditions may change quickly
Brighter spells possible between showers
This deterioration is linked to an area of low pressure bringing humid, unstable air. However, the weather will not be uniformly poor. Brighter periods may develop between showers, with relatively mild temperatures.
A yellow warning does not mean that all affected areas will experience dangerous conditions. It does, however, indicate that locally severe weather is possible and may affect travel or certain outdoor activities.
Before setting out on a hike, a coastal excursion or a car journey, it is best to check how warnings are developing, take waterproof clothing and keep an alternative plan in mind. In the event of lightning, it is advisable to leave summits, highly exposed areas and the immediate vicinity of water.
