Flooding and strong winds expected throughout the weekend as temperatures plunge

The sunny spell was good while it lasted.

The warmer temperatures that we've been enjoying this week are expected to leave us again this weekend as we'll see temperatures plunge and the sun remain hidden. Instead, we're expected to get strong winds and localised flooding with up to 60mm of rain expected in parts on Saturday night. Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly gave the lowdown, revealing that the rain will hit the west and move eastwards.

"Rain will approach from the west Saturday night and move slowly east, how far east it will make it though is uncertain. Latest charts show it stalling in the midlands. "This could cause some local flooding in western areas with up to 60mm possible on some models!"

Met Eireann added that Connacht will be hit the worst on Saturday while the east of the country should remain quite dry.

"On Saturday night, rain is expected to develop across much of Munster and Connacht but it will stay dry elsewhere. Minimum temperatures of 3C to 7C in brisk southeasterly winds."

Rain is expected again on Sunday with the weather forecaster continuing:

"A cold day with highest temperatures of just 6C to 9C in a brisk southeast wind. Cold and breezy overnight with outbreaks of rain in the south and west. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 6C."

Monday and Tuesday are expected to be showery with "persistent" rain at times.