Wet and windy conditions expected for Co Kildare today as forecasters warn country could be hit by Storm Deirdre on Friday

By Kim O'Leary

Wet and windy conditions will affect Co Kildare throughout the day as national forecaster Met Éireann is warning that Storm Deirdre could hit the country by Friday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds of up to 130km/h with a risk of spot flooding in some places.

According to Met Éireann, the rain will be heavy at times in the morning and afternoon across Leinster and parts of Ulster, with showers spreading nationwide throughout the day.

Met Éireann has said that Leinster and Ulster will see more heavy showers today. "Elsewhere mainly dry at first but showers will gradually develop through the day. Highs of 7C to 9C with west to northwest winds becoming established."

https://twitter.com/MetEireann/status/1060044089289252864

Tonight will be generally cold and clear with lows of 2C to 3C and some showers.

Looking ahead to Thursday, conditions will be slightly better.

According to Met Eireann: "Thursday morning will be bright and fresh and mainly dry. Showers will develop during the afternoon but, although the showers will tend to be well scattered at the same time. Highs of 9C to 11C in southwesterly breezes."

However, Friday will see torrential rain and gusty winds for much of the country.

Met Eireann said: "Heavy rain will spread to all parts of the country during the morning, continue raining in the afternoon and finally ease off in the evening /early night.Southerly winds will be strong and gusty for the morning, decrease in the afternoon and turn southwesterly."

Meanwhile, weather expert Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather revealed that this weather system may develop into the fourth named storm of the year, Storm Deirdre, although the decision will be made by Met Éireann.