Heavy rain brings dry spell to an end

Heavy rain is expected to fall across parts of the west and south of Ireland over the next 24 hours.

A low-pressure system pushing up from the south marks the end of a lengthy settled spell across Ireland, which saw parts of the south remain completely dry for more than ten days.

A Status Yellow Rainfall warning has been issued for Galway, Munster and south Leinster.

Met Éireann says heavy rain and a few thundery downpours may result in spot flooding in the ten counties placed under the alert.

The alert is valid until 2.00 PM on Saturday.

Following a dry start to Friday with hazy sunshine away from the south coast, rain accompanied by a moderate southeast wind will push into Wexford and Waterford by mid-afternoon.

The wet weather will spread to the rest of Ireland as the evening progresses.

A clearance will follow from the west during Saturday, but spells of heavy rain will continue in the eastern half of Ireland and, in particular, in the southeast.

It will turn much colder in the west as winds switch to a north-westerly direction, with top temperatures here of 6 to 8C. The cooler weather will spread to all areas as the rain clears the east coast on Saturday evening.

The weather will turn drier everywhere from Sunday until mid-week with all areas enjoying sunshine at times.

Atlantic systems are expected to influence our weather once again beyond mid-week next week.

Temperatures will range between 10 and 13C next week.