Met Éireann has extended its Status Yellow rain and wind warning for counties: Dublin, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, which came into place from today (Thursday, September 26) at 9:00a.m.
The national metrological service said that the warning will remain in place until 8:00p.m this evening, with rain expected to be heavy at times, coupled with gusty winds, strongest near the coasts and on higher ground.
It has also warned that there could be spot flooding and potential traffic delays or disruption.
There is also a Status Yellow warning in place for counties Antrim, Armagh and Down. The warning came into place at 8:00p.m yesterday (Wednesday, September 25), and will remain in place until noon today.
The UK Met Office warned that heavy rain may lead to some flooding and transport disruption in places.
Nationally, rain will remain heavy at times, particularly in eastern parts of Leinster, and may cause spot flooding.
It will become windy with fresh to strong and gusty northerly winds, strongest on Irish Sea coasts, with highest temperatures of 9° to 13°.
The heavy and persistent rain will gradually clear southwards through the evening but it will remain rather cloudy.
Rain forecast
Rainfall totals were well below normal for most of the country over the past week, with accumulations between 0 and 4mm recorded for most, slightly higher along the southeast coast.
According to the national metrological service drying conditions are likely to be mixed in the coming week, particularly with widespread rain expected tomorrow.
There will be an improvement for Friday and Saturday with sunshine and showers forecast, producing moderate to good drying conditions in between the showers, according to the forecast.
Conditions for spraying will also follow suit and will be favourable for spraying on Friday and Saturday.
Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are currently between 5 and 25mm in parts of the west and northwest but over the coming week there will be a reduction in SMDs in all areas, especially in the east and southeast.