Two Status Yellow rain warnings have been issued for parts of Ireland as heavy and persistent rainfall is expected to bring the risk of flooding and difficult travel conditions this weekend.
The first warning covers Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo. It will come into effect at 9pm tonight and remain in place until 9am on Saturday.
Met Éireann is forecasting spells of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms in the affected counties. Lightning damage, localised flooding and hazardous travelling conditions are among the potential impacts.
A second Status Yellow warning has been issued for Cork and Kerry from 9am until 9pm on Saturday.
Persistent rainfall is expected to become heavy at times in both counties, with the weather service warning that localised flooding and difficult travel conditions could develop. Outdoor events may also be affected.
The warnings come after a largely bright and dry day is forecast across the country today. Sunny spells will be accompanied by occasional light showers, particularly in western and northwestern areas.
Conditions will deteriorate later, with cloud building along Atlantic coasts during the evening before rain and drizzle spread inland.
Temperatures are expected to reach between 15 and 20 degrees, with the coolest conditions in the northwest. Winds will initially be light and westerly before turning southerly and strengthening in western areas.
Rain will spread further across the country overnight, bringing increasingly wet and breezy conditions. The southeast could remain dry until morning, while the heaviest and most persistent rain is expected in western and northern areas.
Southwesterly winds will strengthen to moderate or fresh levels and become gusty, particularly near coastal areas. Overnight temperatures will range from 10 to 15 degrees.
Saturday morning will remain wet and blustery, with the rain gradually clearing southwards. Rain may persist across southern areas for much of the day.
Drier weather will develop across the north following the clearance of the rain, although scattered showers and some brighter spells are expected.
Temperatures on Saturday are forecast to reach highs of 16 to 21 degrees, with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds easing as the rain moves away.
