The warning covers Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal, effective from 1 PM to 9 PM on Thursday. A separate warning has been announced for County Kerry, active between 2 PM and 6 PM on Thursday.

The national forecaster predicts west to northwest winds could reach gusts of up to 110 km/h, urging residents to avoid unnecessary risks and take precautions during this period.

In Northern Ireland, a Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry, where disruptions may occur due to similar wind conditions. This warning remains valid from 3 PM Thursday to 3 AM Friday.

Weather Breakdown for the Coming Days

• Thursday:
  Heavy rain and squally winds will spread eastwards, clearing by the afternoon and followed by scattered showers. Winds will shift from southerly to west and northwesterly, becoming strong and gusty, with gale-force conditions near Atlantic and southern coasts. Temperatures will range from 8 to 13°C.Overnight, winds will ease, and showers will become isolated. Frost and icy patches are expected with lows of 0 to 5°C.
• Friday:
  Cloudy skies will dominate, with widespread rain and potential localized flooding. Sleet may occur on higher terrain. Temperatures will range from 6 to 13°C. Winds will intensify later, especially in the west and southwest, where stormy conditions are possible.Friday night will bring extremely windy or stormy conditions, with heavy rain and lows of 0 to 3°C.
• Saturday:
  Cold and windy conditions will prevail, with hail, sleet, and snow showers likely in higher regions. There’s also a chance of thunder in the north and northwest. Highs will be 4 to 8°C, but wind chill will make it feel much colder.
• Sunday and Monday:
  Breezy and cold conditions are forecast, with sharp to severe frost and freezing fog expected on Monday night. Lows may dip to -3 to 2°C.
• Tuesday:
  Fog is likely to linger, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 7°C.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution while traveling during these adverse conditions.

The national weather service has cautioned that a significant band of heavy rain will move eastwards across the country during this period. This could result in localized flooding and challenging travel conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. Motorists and commuters are advised to exercise extreme caution, as road surfaces may become hazardous due to the intense rainfall.

Met Éireann has also indicated that next week’s weather will remain unsettled, with a mix of wet and dry spells throughout the week. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid to high teens during the day, while nights will be mild and humid, adding to the discomfort.

As the Status Yellow rain warning looms, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. This includes checking local weather updates, avoiding unnecessary travel, and ensuring that drainage systems around homes are clear to mitigate potential flooding risks.

The unsettled weather is a continuation of the variable conditions that have marked this summer, with frequent shifts between warm, sunny spells and cooler, wetter weather. While the rain may bring some relief to areas that have experienced dry conditions recently, it also poses a risk of flooding, particularly in areas already saturated from previous rains.

In summary, the Status Yellow rain warning highlights the importance of staying alert and prepared as Ireland faces another bout of inclement weather. With heavy rain and thunderstorms expected, safety should be a top priority for everyone across the country.