An orange-level rain warning has been issued by Met Éireann for Cork and Waterford, signalling a serious weather threat for the south and south-east regions. This warning is set to last 12 hours starting from Sunday afternoon and indicates potential for severe flooding and hazardous driving conditions due to heavy downpour.
In addition to the orange alert, a yellow alert has been distributed to five other counties, Kerry, Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny and Wicklow which warns residents of continuous, heavy rain with possible localised flooding. The yellow alert is the third highest level of warning Met Éireann can issue.
These warnings, however, are not expected to take effect immediately. The opening phase of the weekend projects predominantly dry conditions with patchy clouds and periodic sunshine. Light showers may begin to appear later in the day, but heavier rain, originating from the southwest, is forecast to spread across the vast majority of the country throughout Saturday night and Sunday, reaching the northern coast on Sunday afternoon.
The rain is predicted to lessen and become more intermittent by Sunday evening as a milder northerly breeze takes hold.