Met Éireann Issues Yellow Warnings for Irish Weekend Weather

Met Éireann, Ireland's national meteorological service, has issued multiple Status Yellow weather warnings for rain, wind, and low temperatures across more than a dozen counties, as a shift to unsettled conditions brings heavy showers and gusts to the region this weekend.

The warnings follow a cold snap earlier in the week that prompted alerts for frost and ice. A low temperature and ice warning affected counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, and Tipperary from Thursday evening until Friday morning, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius. Officials noted risks of widespread frost, icy roads, hazardous driving conditions, and potential animal welfare concerns during the overnight period. Showers during the day were mostly confined to northern and western areas, some of which turned wintry.

As conditions evolve, a 24-hour rain warning is now active for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo, running from Saturday evening until Sunday evening. Forecasters expect heavy or thundery rain, leading to possible spot flooding and challenging travel. Some hail showers are also anticipated, particularly in the northwest.