LAST UPDATE | 12 Jun

A STATUS YELLOW rain warning remains in effect for 12 counties across the island of Ireland, as heavy rainfall hit the country this afternoon.

The national weather forecaster warned this morning of localised flooding and scattered thunderstorms around the island throughout day and early evening.

The counties affected by an earlier status yellow warning, the least urgent warning behind red and orange, were all in the eastern half of the country.

The warning applies to 20 counties in the South. Met Éireann Met Éireann

A rain warning remains in effect in Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo, as well as the entirety of Northern Ireland, until 9pm.

With the warning comes the threat of localised flooding, damage by lightning strikes and difficult travel conditions.

Once the storm threat passes, tonight will be mild but rather cloudy with scattered showers and fog in places.

Tomorrow looks to be a brighter day with a mix of sunshine and rain, though some isolated thunderstorms are possible in the southwest. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees are expected.