Ireland weather: Met Eireann issues two warnings for six counties ahead of heavy rain

Six counties have been placed under weather warnings as heavy and persistent rain is set to hit the country.

Two separate Status Yellow rain warnings have been issued by Met Eireann ahead of the grim weather.

The first alert applies to Cork and Kerry and is valid from 3pm this afternoon (Thursday October 24) until 1pm tomorrow (Friday October 25).

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The national forecaster warns of "heavy and persistent rain, with the possibility of thunderstorms", listing localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility as possible impacts.

Another Status Yellow warning has been issued for Clare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo. This also comes into effect at 3pm, but will lift at 3am on Friday morning.

Sharing today's weather forecast, Met Eireann says rain will move in after a mainly dry morning.

"This morning will be dry for most apart from patchy rain and drizzle in the west and southwest. More persistent rain will spread over Connacht, Munster and west Ulster this afternoon and evening, turning heavy at times with the potential for localised flooding. Further to the east it will stay drier with some patches of light rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds, easing through the afternoon.

"Tonight will be wet and breezy with outbreaks of rain becoming widespread, turning heavy in places with the ongoing possibility of localised flooding. Winds will back northerly and increase moderate to fresh and gusty, strong in the west and southwest. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 13 degrees, mildest in the southeast."

Tomorrow will be a cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, which will clear up as the day goes on.

Met.ie says: "Tomorrow morning will be quite cloudy with outbreaks of rain, heavy for a time with a chance of localised flooding. The rain will turn lighter and patchier as the day goes on with a few sunny spells breaking through in the east and southeast. Highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees in moderate to fresh northeast winds, easing later.

"Dry with clear spells for many on Friday night, though there will be isolated patches of light rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees with some mist and fog developing in light variable winds."

Looking ahead to the bank holiday weekend, the forecaster predicts it will be "rather unsettled but mild with spells of rain". Current indications suggest there will be drier weather next week.

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