Weekend weather warnings issued

Met Eireann has issued two weather warnings for much of the country over the next few days.

Up to 6pm this evening, there is a Status Yellow Weather warning that predicts severe downpours, especially in southwestern, western and northwestern counties with spot flooding.

Some falls of sleet and snow are also forecasted by the national weather service.

“Cold and very unsettled weather will continue right over the weekend. There will be periods of heavy rain, with some severe downpours at times, especially in southwestern, western and northwestern counties with spot flooding. Some falls of sleet and snow at times there also.”

There is also a Status Yellow rain warning in place until noon tomorrow for Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick, with heavy rain expected today, tonight and tomorrow, where they predict around 30mm to 40mm of rainfall, with greater totals on some higher ground.

“Further falls of heavy rain today, tonight and into Saturday, turning to wet snow in parts temporarily. Another 30 to 40mm of rainfall, with greater totals on some higher ground.”

The forecaster says overall it is going to be cold and unsettled, with heavy downpours and spot flooding over the weekend, with the heaviest rainfall occurring through Ulster, Connacht and west Munster.

“The rain may turn to sleet and snow at times on the higher ground. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees in moderate northeast winds,” Met Eireann state.