Leading forecaster warns 'a lot of the rain' is on the way for Ireland in next 24 hours

One of Ireland's best-known weather experts is warning there could be heavy rainfall in several counties in the south and and west over the next 24 hours.

While the weather has generally improved since the beginning of March, Alan O'Rielly of Carlow Weather says "a lot of the rain" is expected just off the West coast this Wednesday and Thursday.

However, in a twist, he says high resolution models show the southwest and parts of south could see over 20mm in the next 24 hours.

"The Southwest is really seeing the worst of the rain in the last few months," he said in a post on social media.

A lot of the rain today is expected to stay just off the West coast but high resolution models show the Southwest and parts of South could see over 20mm in next 24 hours. The Southwest is really seeing the worst of the rain in last few months. pic.twitter.com/twgCUp6MDQ

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) March 6, 2024

Separately, in its latest forecast, Met Éireann says it will be cloudy this Wednesday "with outbreaks of rain and drizzle pushing into the south and west."

It will be "cloudy and damp" this Wednesday evening with patchy light rain and drizzle. However, according to Met Éireann, the rain will be more persistent along Atlantic coastal counties.