ALERT: heavy rainfall in Leitrim with things set to turn worse

Met Éireann has forecast that rain will become widespread from the west, and will become rather windy in many areas too with strengthening south to southeast winds.

Leitrim could be facing heavy or thundery falls of rain later today. 

The winds will be strongest in the east and south, with gales developing along coasts there, but winds will be lighter in the north and northwest.

There is the potential for some heavy or thundery falls of rain and some coastal flooding especially in parts of the south and east.

Drier weather will extend from the southwest through the afternoon and evening as winds become cyclonic variable for a time before moderating westerly. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees.

For tonight, there will be a band of showery rain in western coastal areas at first will track eastwards over the country tonight with some heavy or thundery falls before clearing into the Irish Sea by morning. Scattered showers will follow, mainly affecting the western half of the country.

Lowest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees in light to moderate west or southwest winds, fresher near coasts.