Met Office issues thunderstorms warning as heavy downpours forecast across Northern Ireland

A yellow weather warning is in force across Northern Ireland today as forecasters warn heavy and thundery showers could bring flooding, travel disruption, lightning and hail.

The Met Office warning takes effect from 11am on Sunday 30 August, with conditions expected to deteriorate as widespread showers develop later this morning and continue through the afternoon and evening.

The latest Met Office warning currently shows the yellow thunderstorm warning remaining in force until 9pm tonight.

Heavy rain, lightning and hail possible

Forecasters say showers will become widespread, heavy and thundery, although the nature of the weather means some places could escape the worst conditions.

Where the heaviest showers develop, around 10–15mm of rain could fall within an hour, with totals of 25–35mm possible over several hours.

Lightning and hail are additional hazards.

The Met Office says the weather could cause disruption to transport, infrastructure and outdoor activities, while intense rainfall could create localised surface-water or flash flooding.

Northern Ireland forecast turns increasingly unsettled

Heavy and thundery showers could persist in places into this evening before gradually easing, although some showers may linger overnight.

Monday is expected to begin cloudy with further showers, potentially heavy in places, before conditions become mainly dry and brighter during the afternoon. More rain is forecast to reach western areas later.