Heavy rain and cool temperatures are expected this weekend, as well as the possibility of snow in some areas, according to Met Eireann.

Today, Friday, is set to be cold and wet as heavy outbreaks of rain are forecast throughout the country, with occasional sleet and snow on higher ground.

Temperatures are expected to range from 3 to 8 degrees, while it is set to be coldest across the west and north with moderate easterly winds.

A status yellow rainfall warning remains in place today, as up to 40mm of rain is set to fall in parts of the country.

The warning has been issued to counties Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry.

Issued yesterday morning, the warning is set to remain in place until 6pm this evening.

Between 30mm and 40mm of rain is expected to fall, with the possibility of these totals being larger on hill and mountain areas.

Further heavy downpours are forecast overnight, with the possibility of flooding in some areas.

Some snowfall is also likely, with frost and icy stretches expected in certain places.

Poor conditions for both spraying and drying are forecast to continue over the coming days due to the blustery conditions and high rainfall.

Soils will deteriorate with the heavy rain, resulting in most soil types becoming saturated or waterlogged. Because of this, trafficability will be poor, according to Met Eireann.

Weekend

The cold and unsettled conditions are expected to continue over the weekend, with the possibility of further heavy downpours.

Snow is likely over the weekend, while some heavy falls are possible on higher ground. Sunny spells are expected to breakthrough, but it will generally remain cloudy.

Daytime temperatures are set to range from 4 to 9 degrees in fresh westerly winds, which will increase strong to gale force in places on Sunday, according to Met Eireann.

Outlook

Early indications for next week suggest it will become milder with daytime temperatures recovering into the low teens.

But it is forecast to remain changeable, with some wet and windy weather at times.