Met Éireann has upgraded thunderstorm warnings to Status Orange for Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon following reports of a funnel cloud forming near Athenry on Friday. The sighting, captured on video, occurred as the region grapples with unseasonably high temperatures, which reached nearly 32°C earlier this week.
The national meteorological service warns that the current volatile weather pattern poses significant risks, including localized flooding, hail damage, and disruptions to critical infrastructure such as power, water, and telecommunications. In addition to the Orange thunderstorm warning—which remains in effect until 8:00 PM local time—a nationwide Status Yellow high-temperature warning persists, with peak temperatures of 29°C expected in the midlands.
Meteorologists indicate that the extreme heat has created the instability necessary for severe storms. While the funnel cloud near Athenry has drawn significant public attention, Met Éireann continues to monitor the atmospheric conditions closely. Residents are advised to exercise caution, as the weather is forecast to remain unstable with heavy, thundery downpours spreading eastward into Saturday.