Met Éireann issues Status Yellow rain warning for six counties ahead of Electric Picnic

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for six counties in the southeast and south of Ireland, with the alert taking effect on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The warning, which was updated to include Cork on Wednesday afternoon, covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, and Waterford. It is valid from midday on Thursday until 3 a.m. on Friday, August 28.

The national forecaster warned of spells of heavy rain with a possibility of thunderstorms during the alert period. Potential impacts include localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions, and disruption to outdoor events. The warning comes as tens of thousands of people prepare to attend the Electric Picnic music festival in Stradbally, Co Laois, which begins this weekend.

The forecast for Thursday indicates a dry start in many areas, but rain across the southern fringes will slowly extend northwards, becoming heavy at times. There is a chance of thunderstorms in eastern Munster, bringing the potential for surface flooding. Highest temperatures are expected to range from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, with light northeast winds.

The unsettled weather is set to continue into the festival weekend. Friday will see...