Home / Environment / N. Ireland Faces Thunderstorm Alert Amid Heatwave Fears
N. Ireland Faces Thunderstorm Alert Amid Heatwave Fears
13 Aug
Summary
- Thunderstorm warning issued for Northern Ireland until Friday morning.
- Fourth heatwave of summer could be confirmed on Thursday.
- Potential for sudden downpours, lightning, and hailstones.
Northern Ireland is currently facing a dual weather threat as a thunderstorm warning is in effect until early Friday. The Met Office has issued this alert, which began at 11:00 BST on Thursday and will conclude at 06:00 BST on Friday.
Simultaneously, there is a possibility of confirming the fourth heatwave of the summer on Thursday. A heatwave is defined by three consecutive days of temperatures reaching 25C or higher. Armagh is among the areas that could meet this criterion. This would mark the highest number of heatwaves recorded in the region since records began in 2019.
The unstable, warm, and humid atmosphere poses a risk of localized, severe thunderstorms. These could bring sudden heavy rainfall, with up to 20-30 mm falling in under an hour in some areas, accompanied by lightning, hailstones, and strong winds, potentially causing flooding.
By Friday, cooler and less humid air is forecast to move in from the Atlantic, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures both day and night.
