Weather warning issued for three counties as warm spell takes a turn

It's been a week of unseasonably warm and sunny weather but it looks as though things are about to take a turn.

People in certain counties in the north west can expect high winds today. A weather warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo and Donegal. The Status Yellow warning came into place at 8am this morning and will be valid until 3am on Sunday morning. Gusts are forecast to reach up to 90kph and 100kph, with coastal areas worst affected. Today will be wet and windy, according to Met Éireann. Rain will turn heavy at times this but will clear this afternoon with sunshine and showers to follow. Temperatures in the afternoon are predicted to reach between ten and 12 degrees.

Dry to start for many but rain along the west coast will push eastwards, becoming widespread and heavy at times and clearing to showers in the afternoon. Strong southerly winds will veer westerly as the rain clears. Highest temperatures 10 to 12 degrees. pic.twitter.com/er3ZWAugS0

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 2, 2019

Tonight is set to be mostly dry and clear with some mist and fog likely. Temperatures will fall to between three to five degrees and winds are expected to ease slightly by morning. Sadly, Sunday will be a cold and wet day for much of the country. Rain is forecast to develop along southern coasts then push northwards, and become widespread. The rain will turn heavy in the afternoon and possibly turn wintry as well, with some snow over the hills and mountains. The strongest winds will be off the south and east coast of the country. It's expected to be chilly too - temperatures of six to eight degrees in the morning will fall to two to five degrees in the afternoon.