Met Éireann warns of thunderstorms and 'poor driving conditions' in midlands

A weather warning for thunderstorms is in place across parts of the midlands and north, including counties Westmeath, Offaly and Roscommon, until 9pm today, Monday.

The yellow-level warning was issued by Met Éireann shortly after lunchtime today.

It's in effect for counties Roscommon, Sligo, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim, and for the six counties in Northern Ireland also.

The national forecasting service said the affected counties should be prepared for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, "with localised downpours leading to poor driving conditions."

The weather is set to be very unsettled for most of this week, with spells of rain and showers, and temperatures close to average for this time of year.