Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have issued Status Yellow warnings for parts of Ireland this weekend, bringing an abrupt end to a ten-day dry spell across the island.

Warnings are in place for Cork and Kerry from 5pm on Saturday until 5am on Sunday. A separate warning for Waterford will be active from 8pm Saturday until 8am Sunday.

Met Éireann is warning of spells of heavy rain with the possibility of thundery downpours, which may lead to localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow Rain Warning for Antrim, Armagh and Down. The warning is valid from midnight on Sunday until midday, with heavy rain expected to cause potential impacts including surface water flooding and travel disruption.

A Small Craft Warning has also been issued for all coasts of Ireland. Southeasterly winds are expected to reach force 6 or higher from 11pm Friday until 8am Sunday.

The arrival of rain marks a shift in the weather pattern, with unsettled conditions forecast to persist through the coming week.

By the end of next week, colder air is expected to develop, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures and the possibility of wintry showers in some areas.