Unsettled weather expected to continue into next week

The unsettled rainy weather looks set to continue into next week.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange weather alert, for conditions which have the capacity to cause significant impact, until this afternoon, with Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary the main counties affected.

A lesser yellow weather warning, for conditions that do not pose an immediate threat, will remain in place for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Waterford.

Today will be a cool day, with top temperatures of 13-16 degrees and fresh westerly winds.

Heavy falls of rain are expected to develop and continue overnight, leading to spot flooding, with 25-35mm of rain expected.

Widespread

Rain will become widespread across the country tomorrow, especially over parts of Munster and Connacht.

The rain will continue overnight and will be heavy in many places.

Further local flooding is possible.

There will be showers and longer spells of rain on Monday.

The outlook may improve on Tuesday with forecast of a mostly dry, bright day, with sunny spells and the odd light shower.

Low pressure

Meteorologist Harm Luyx said: “The low pressure will stay with us for the week, which brings rain and sometimes stormy weather,” he said.

Tropical storm Henri has battered the Caribbean and parts of the US in recent days, but its presence has not been felt in Ireland, Mr Luyx said.

The Road Safety Authority has warned people driving in wet conditions to use dipped headlights at all times, allow extra distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front, allow extra space between their vehicle and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists, and to not attempt driving through flooded roads.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also being advised to wear a high visibility jacket or reflective armband.