Weather warning for six counties as Met Éireann forecasts 'heavy and persistent' rain

A weather warning for six counties will come into effect later this Monday as Met Éireann warns an 'unsettled week' can be expected across the country

The status yellow rain warning, which applies to counties Cork, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim and Mayo, will be valid from 3pm until 10am on Tuesday.

There will be heavy and persistent rain at times and, according to Met Éireann, potential impacts include localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

The forecaster says outdoor events are likely to be impacted by the bad weather and motorists are being urged to be cautious if travelling while the warnings are in place.

In its latest forecast, it says rain will extend nationwide during Monday evening with highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees with strengthening southerly winds.

"Wet and windy tonight with outbreaks of heavy rain bringing the possibility of localised flooding, especially in the south and west. An isolated thunderstorm is possible also. Lowest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds," states the forecast.

"A generally unsettled week but there are early indications of drier and more settled weather developing during the weekend and beyond," it adds.