Status 'Yellow' rainfall warning for region

 

A status yellow rainfall warning has been issued by Met Éireann for 15 counties including all of Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and Waterford.

Thundery downpours which may lead to rainfall accumulations of 25-40mm are expected, with the warning coming into effect from 9pm tonight, and remain in place until 9am tomorrow.

 

 

Bad news for star gazers in the region who had hoped to catch a glimpse of what is expected to be the longest 'blood moon' eclipse this century, coinciding with Mars' closest approach in 15 years.

For about half the world, the moon will be partly or fully in Earth's shadow from 6.14pm to 00.28 Irish time. The period of complete eclipse - known as "totality", when the moon appears darkest - will last from 8.30pm to 10.13pm Irish time.

Amateur astronomers in the southern hemisphere will, as usual, be best-placed to enjoy the spectacle.

According to the national forecaster, tonight will see “showery rain, heavy at times with thundery downpours which will slowly track northeastwards with somewhat clearer conditions spreading into the southwest later.”

 

 

The rain will be persistent and heaviest in the east and later in the north, with lowest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees.

On Saturday Met Éireann predict “showery rain will linger in the north for much of the day”, but elsewhere will see sunny spells and scattered showers. “It will be a cooler and fresher day with top temperatures of just 15 to 18 degrees in moderate to fresh westerly winds, but strong and gusty in the in the north.”

The Road Safety Authority are meanwhile urging motorists to watch out for flash flooding and the risk of aquaplaning.

Following the recent dry weather, a build-up of oil and rubber deposit may also have developed on the roads, motorists are being warned. The advice is to slow down and increase braking distance.