'Worrying' Ireland weather update amid warnings - one county upgraded to status orange

Parts of Ireland could see 70mm of rain fall in just a few hours on Thursday amid a number of Met Éireann warning and a 'worrying' new update.

A Status Yellow weather warning will be in place for 12 counties on Thursday evening, while the warning for Cork has been upgraded to Status Orange by Met Éireann.

The Status Yellow rain warning covers Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford from 6pm on Thursday until 6pm on Friday.

The orange warning for Cork warns of slightly more severe rainfall and will extend over the same period from 6pm on Thursday for 24 hours.

In an update, Met Éireann said: "From Thursday evening to Friday evening, persistent and sometimes heavy rain may lead to localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions."

A general outlook for the coming days is equally grim but for a short reprieve on Saturday. Met Éireann predicts our weather to be "unsettled with outbreaks of rain or showers on most days, with the exception of a mostly dry day Saturday."

Looking at the immediate forecast, they said: "Tonight [Thursday] will be wet in many areas with persistent and sometimes heavy rain with spot flooding, especially over Munster, Leinster and east Ulster. Western and northern parts of Connacht and Ulster will be mainly dry. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with light northerly breezes.

"Friday will continue wet with further spells of rain and some spot flooding over Munster, Leinster and east Ulster. Drier to the west and north with a few bright intervals. Cool with highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees and light to moderate northeast breezes."

The good news is that Saturday will be mostly dry, "with a possibility of light rain lingering in eastern and southeastern parts.

"Sunny spells elsewhere, with the best of the sunshine in the northwest. Highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees, with light to moderate northeasterly breezes."

"Sunday will likely be a cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, heaviest and most persistent over the eastern half of the country. Highest temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees in light to moderate easterly breezes."

Beyond that, forecasters say it will remain "unsettled with low pressure dominating for the early days next week."

Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather gave a grim update on the weather front for the coming hours and days.

"Latest weather model updates continue to show over 40mm possible in 24 hours with over 70mm in 36 hours which could lead to some flooding in parts. Cork and Waterford at risk of seeing the highest totals but some models extend that into Wexford also. If you are in an area prone to flooding in the South or Southeast then be alert," he said.

Latest weather model updates continue to show over 40mm possible in 24 hours with over 70mm in 36 hours which could lead to some flooding in parts. Cork and Waterford at risk of seeing the highest totals but some models extend that into Wexford also. If you are in an area prone… pic.twitter.com/0XsMQvwrWe

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 14, 2023