Weekend Weather Outlook: Warning Removed for Cork

Cork can expect a transition from wet Friday conditions to much cooler but more settled weather by the weekend, as Met Éireann forecasts improving conditions after Friday's heavy rain clears eastward.

Friday morning continues damp and wet across Cork, with outbreaks of heavy rain affecting morning commuters. However, conditions will improve significantly through the afternoon, with rain becoming confined to eastern parts of the region while northwestern areas should see brighter weather developing towards evening.

Met Éireann states:

"Damp or wet to begin today, Friday, with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. Rain will become confined to eastern parts of the region this afternoon and it should brighten up in northwestern parts towards evening."

Despite the rain, winds will remain manageable with mainly light south-westerly or variable breezes, and temperatures reaching a mild 15 to 17°C. Friday night will stay mostly cloudy with continued outbreaks of rain in eastern areas, while western parts of Cork will turn drier with clearer intervals developing.

Surface flooding remains possible during Friday's heavier downpours, particularly in low-lying areas of Cork city centre. Drivers should exercise caution on major routes including the N40, M8, and N20, allowing extra time for journeys during the morning period.

Saturday brings a marked improvement in conditions. The day will start mainly dry with variable cloud and sunny spells across Cork. However, the afternoon will see scattered showers developing from the northwest, with some turning heavy and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms.

Met Éireann forecasts:

"Scattered showers, some heavy with a chance of isolated thunderstorms, will extend from the northwest in the afternoon."

Saturday's winds will start light but strengthen through the day, becoming northerly and increasing to moderate or fresh levels, with strong winds developing near the west coast by evening. Temperatures will be noticeably cooler than Friday, reaching only 13 to 16°C.

Saturday night turns breezy with scattered showers, particularly affecting eastern and southern areas initially. These showers will gradually become confined to northwestern parts by Sunday morning, with clear spells developing overnight. Temperatures will drop to 5 to 8°C in moderate north-westerly to northerly winds.

Sunday offers the best conditions of the weekend period. Cork will enjoy cool and bright weather with sunny spells and scattered showers mainly affecting northern and northwestern areas. Moderate northerly winds will gradually ease to light or moderate as the day progresses, with maximum temperatures of 11 to 14°C.

Sunday night marks the beginning of more settled conditions. The evening will be largely dry and cold with long clear spells developing. Temperatures will fall to just 2 to 6°C in light northerly breezes, with the possibility of frost in some areas.

The weekend's weather pattern represents a significant shift towards cooler autumn conditions. While Friday's rain may disrupt morning travel plans, the improving trend through Saturday and Sunday offers opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly on Sunday afternoon.

Cork motorists should remain cautious during Friday morning's heavy rain and Saturday afternoon's thundery showers, but can look forward to much more settled driving conditions from Sunday onwards.

Weekend outdoor events should monitor conditions closely on Saturday afternoon, though Sunday looks increasingly promising for any rescheduled activities across Cork's sporting and community calendar.

The transition from mild, wet conditions to cooler, brighter weather reflects the seasonal shift as autumn weather patterns establish themselves across Munster.