Ireland is set for a wet and windy weekend as a band of rain and strong gale force winds make their way across the country, beginning in the West and spreading to the East.
Met Eireann has issued a Status yellow Rain and Thunderstorm warning for Munster, Connacht, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Cavan, Donegal and Westmeath that will stay in place until 6pm.
A forecaster said: "A fresh but beautiful morning in the sunny Southeast but feeling very fresh! Rain in the North and also parts of the West with more rain in the West through the day which will move East across the country. Winds increasing with some strong gusts.
READ MORE: Met Eireann forecast cold air to hit as temperatures dive and warning issued
"Status Yellow - Rain and Thunderstorm warning for Munster, Connacht, Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Westmeath Updated now to include more counties. Valid: 21:09 Friday 24/06/2022 to 18:00 Saturday 25/06/2022
"Thunderstorm detected near Kilkenny now with several strikes between Kilkenny City and Urlingford. There is a weather warning in place but Kilkenny is not included, these are tricky to forecast though."
Here is a more detailed look at Met Eireann's forecast.
Today
Unseasonably wet and windy today with strong southerly winds. Rain will persist over the western half of the country, heavy and thundery at times.
Beginning primarily dry across the eastern half of the country, outbreaks of rain will extend to the east later by evening.
Highest temperatures of 11 to 17 degrees, the coolest across Munster and Connacht.
Tonight will bring further spells of rain and showers across the country.
Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees with moderate to fresh southwesterly or variable winds, strong along coasts.
Sunday, June 26
A mix of sunny spells and widespread heavy and possibly thundery showers for tomorrow, Sunday, particularly in the eastern half of the country.
Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in moderate to fresh southwesterly winds.
A mix of clear spells and scattered showers, heaviest on Sunday night, most frequent in the west and northwest.
Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees with light to moderate southwesterly breezes.
Monday, June 27
Staying unsettled with widespread showers, turning to heavier, more persistent rain in the country's western half later in the day.
Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees with moderate southerly winds.
A band of rain will spread across the country overnight, clearing to showers by morning. Mild with temperatures not falling below 9 to 13 degrees as fresh southerly winds moderate.
Tuesday, June 28
Persistent rain will clear away to the east early on Tuesday, leaving a mixed day for all areas with sunny spells and scattered showers.
Highest temperatures of 14 to 19 degrees, warmest in the midlands.
Winds light to moderate, fresh along coasts, southerly or variable.
Showers will continue Tuesday night, with a mix of clear spells and cloud. Temperatures generally not falling below 9 to 12 degrees, as winds fall light to moderate and variable.
Wednesday, June 29
Another showery day is in store for Wednesday, with more persistent rain moving into the south of the country and extending northwards through the day, clearing to showers by nightfall.
Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees, with light to moderate variable winds.
Current indications suggest that conditions will remain unsettled through the week as low pressure continues to dominate. However, there are some tentative signs for high pressure to build by Monday the 1st of July.
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