Warning of thunderstorms following Northern Ireland's soaring temperatures

Forecasters have warned “extreme thunderstorm activity” could develop over parts of the island of Ireland, as it approaches record temperatures.

Both Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have issued thunderstorm warnings which will mean the entire island of Ireland will be under some form of weather advisory into Friday.

The UK Met Office yellow warning will be in place from midnight until 10am on Friday.

It said heavy showers and thunderstorms may bring disruption in places on Friday and there was a “small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds”.

The Met Office also said there was a “slight chance that power cuts could occur” and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.