Met Éireann has escalated its weather alert for Cork and Waterford to Status Orange, warning of intense rainfall and possible thundery downpours from Saturday evening into early Sunday morning.

The advisory cautions of river flooding, especially in upland areas, and warns motorists to expect treacherous conditions overnight.

Up to two inches of rain could fall across south Cork, southwest Kerry and Waterford over the weekend, with the heaviest accumulations likely on higher ground.

Status Yellow rain warnings are also in effect for Kerry, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny. These alerts cite the risk of localised flooding and difficult travel due to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Northern Ireland is also on alert, with the UK Met Office issuing a Yellow warning for Antrim, Armagh and Down. Rainfall overnight Saturday into Sunday morning may lead to flooding and transport disruption.

Mariners are advised to take caution as a small craft warning is in place for all Irish coastal waters, with southeasterly winds expected to reach force 6 or higher from late Friday through Sunday morning. A second warning covers the stretch from Bloody Foreland to Strangford Lough to Hook Head on Sunday.

A Status Yellow gale warning has also been issued for waters from Loop Head to Belfast Lough to Roche’s Point and across the Irish Sea. Southeast winds may reach gale force 8 from Saturday evening until midnight.

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.