Just another average ‘prepare for every eventuality’ weekend in Ireland.

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning for five counties in the west and northwest of the country ahead of predicted heavy downpours on Friday and throughout the weekend. A weather warning has been issued for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo ahead of anticipated heavy or thundery downpours with rainfall totals of 30 to 40 mm and the risk of spot flooding in places. The warning was issued on Thursday morning and was valid from 4pm yesterday until 4pm today (Friday), although that will be far from the last of the showers over the weekend as Hurricane Gert makes its presence felt on these shores. As well as causing heavy rain and thunder in the west and elsewhere, the impact of Hurricane Gert will be felt through blasts of extra tropical air, which will lead to humid conditions and temperatures in excess of 20 degrees into Tuesday of next week. Saturday looks set to be the driest day overall, with showers set to be scattered rather than persistent, with south Leinster set to benefit from the mildest conditions of anywhere in the country. Overall, the forecast is for changeable and unsettled weather over the weekend and into the middle of next week, so if you are going to be out and about, make sure you’ve all your bases covered.