Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange weather warning for heavy rain in two southwestern counties this weekend.

The national forecaster has warned of very heavy and persistent rain in Cork and Kerry from midnight on Saturday (October 5) until 11:00p.m on Sunday (October 6).

The highest rainfall accumulations are expected in mountainous areas of Kerry and west Cork.

Met Éireann warned that there is a risk of river and coastal flooding, dangerous travelling conditions and travel disruption for the duration of the warning.

Earlier today, a Status Yellow rain warning was issued for several counties, including Clare; Limerick; Waterford; Galway and Mayo for this weekend.

This warning will also come into force from midnight on Saturday and remain in place for 24 hours.

Counties covered by this alert for heavy and persistent rain are being advised that there may be localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

Meanwhile, Met Éireann has said that weather conditions will turn more unsettled from tomorrow onwards.

Rainfall over the coming week is generally expected to be between 110% and 320% of average for this time of year.

Rain will be less frequent in the northeast with rainfall amounts expected to be closer to average there.

However, the coming week is forecast to be milder with mean air temperatures increase to between 12 and 14°, which is 1 or 2° above normal. Mean soil temperatures will remain near normal or slightly above.