Met Eireann has issued a rainfall warning for Munster and Leinster with 20 to 40mm of rain expected (higher values on mountains) over the next 24 hours.

It will be cloudy in both provinces this afternoon and evening with further scattered outbreaks of rain, heavy in places, but some dry spells also. Met Eireann says temperatures will rise to between 9 and 13 degrees as the cold easterly winds veer to a milder southwesterly direction.

Further heavy rain is also expected tomorrow (Saturday).

In Connacht and Ulster, it will stay cold and cloudy for the rest of the day with outbreaks of rain continuing to spread northwards turning to sleet and snow for a time.

Temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees in fresh easterly winds, Met Eireann says.

Tonight

In the West and North it will remain cold with the rain clearing by morning and some icy patches developing. Lowest temperatures 2 to 4 degrees.

In Munster and Leinster, there will be further outbreaks of rain.

The rain will be heaviest in parts of the south and southeast, according to latest forecasts with temperatures of 10 degrees here, elsewhere it will be colder (4 to 6 degrees).

St Stephen’s Day:

Met Eireann says a cold day is expected with heavy rain in parts of Munster and Leinster and a risk of some flooding. Mainly dry over Connacht and Ulster with occasional bright spells.

Temperatures tomorrow will be only 3 to 7 degrees in light westerly winds, but up to 12 degrees in the extreme south and southeast.

Outlook

According to Met Eireann, the weather will stay changeable and unsettled over the following few days.