Sun goes down on heatwave

Record-breaking hot spell finally over. Thunderstorm alert in all areas

- ALISON O'REILLY

IT is time to pack away the bikinis and barbecues as our record-breaking heatwave comes to an end today.

Rain, thunderstorms, and overcast skies are set to replace the blazing sunshine of the past week.

The highest temperature yesterday was 29.4C in Oak Park in Carlow - a slight drop from the 31.7C recorded in the same place on Friday.

However, the exceptionally hot spell has given way to the threat of thunderstorms with an Orange warning in place across the country until 9 am today.

Meteorologist Emer Flood told the Irish Mirror: "This spell of high temperatures is over and the Orange warning that was put in place from yesterday will remain until 9am today.

"We can expect sporadic thunder and lightning until this morning for most and in the afternoon for south Leinster and Munster.

"That's accompanied by heavy downpours leading to spot flooding in places and also a high-temperature warning for most of the country.