Status Yellow Rainfall alert introduced

Eight counties have been placed under a Status Yellow rainfall alert.

Localised flooding is expected in parts of the west, south, and southeast during Thursday night and Friday as a result of a frontal system extending north across Ireland.

The alert for Cork and Kerry is valid from 11:00 PM Thursday until midday on Friday, while a rainfall alert for counties Galway and Mayo will be in effect from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Friday.

The Status Yellow warning for Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, and Wicklow kicks in at 6:00 AM on Friday and will remain in effect until 6:00 AM on Saturday.

Rainfall totals will exceed 30 mm in the affected counties, with higher amounts of 40 to 50 mm on high ground in Connacht, south Munster, and The Wicklow Mountains.

It will turn very breezy on Friday. Winds will shift from light easterly on Thursday night to moderate to fresh northeasterly during Friday.

Met Éireann has issued a Small Craft Warning for all coasts of Ireland from midnight until 4:00 AM on Saturday. Winds will be easterly or cyclonic variable and will reach force 6 or higher.

A separate Status Yellow warning has been issued for coastal waters from Valentia to Slyne Head to Rossan Point, where northeast winds will reach gale force 8.

Rain will slowly clear Ireland during the first half of Saturday, leaving many areas largely dry but overcast for Saturday afternoon and evening.

Sunday will be similarly dry in most places, but overcast conditions will persist. A frontal system could bring some rain to the west and southwest by Sunday evening.

Temperatures over the weekend will range from 9 to 12°C.