Heavy Rain Warning: Localised Flooding Risk for Cork This Weekend

• Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork and Kerry, with localised flooding risk and up to 60mm of rainfall possible from Saturday morning through Sunday.

Met Éireann issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork and Kerry at 10:30 this morning, valid from 10:00 Saturday 19 July to 10:00 Sunday 20 July. The warning cites spells of heavy rain with possible isolated thunderstorms, bringing risks of spot flooding, poor visibility, and difficult travel conditions.

An area of low pressure is set to bring heavy rainfall across Munster this weekend, with Cork among the counties most at risk of disruptive conditions. Weather forecasters are warning residents to prepare for potentially challenging conditions as the rain system moves northwards during the 24-hour warning period.

Cathal Nolan, Ireland's Weather Channel:

"An area of low pressure with its associated rainfall will make its way northwards across the country through tomorrow Saturday and into Sunday, bringing with it some locally heavy falls of rain and the risk of localised flooding."

The meteorologist highlighted that Cork, along with Kerry and Waterford, will bear the brunt of the weather system. Rainfall totals across these counties are expected to reach between 20-30mm widely, with upland areas potentially seeing significantly higher amounts.

Nolan:

"Upland areas seeing rainfall totals of between 40-60mm, perhaps locally higher even over the mountains. With such volumes of rainfall expected there's the possibility of some localised flooding with the aforementioned counties most at risk of some disruptive rainfall."

Met Éireann's forecast indicates that Saturday will begin largely dry before showery outbreaks extend from the southwest, becoming heavy at times. The national weather service has specifically noted that spot flooding is possible during this period, prompting the official warning.

Temperatures will remain relatively mild, reaching 16 to 19 degrees on Saturday with moderate southeasterly winds that may strengthen along southern coasts. Sunday will see a mix of sunny spells and showers, with the heaviest rain generally affecting northern areas while southern regions, including Cork, should see drier conditions developing as the warning period ends.

The weather pattern is part of a broader unsettled period, with further showers and rain spells expected into early next week. However, current indications suggest more dry intervals will develop as the week progresses.

During the Status Yellow warning period, residents in low-lying areas and near waterways should monitor conditions closely and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall. Surface water and stream levels may rise quickly during intense downpours, particularly in upland areas where the highest rainfall totals are expected.

Cork City Council and Cork County Council have not issued any specific flood warnings beyond the Met Éireann alert, but motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution on roads, particularly in rural and upland areas where water may accumulate rapidly during the warning period.