Met Eireann has issued a rainfall warning for Munster, Connacht and west Ulster. The weather service says heavy rain today will lead to localised flooding especially in the west.

It has forecast heavy rain at times today with a risk of thunder and and expects up to 30 millimetres possible in parts of the west.

It says a further 30 to 40 millimetres may fall overnight and on Thursday.

Following a dry start today, persistent rain is expected in Munster and south Leinster and will gradually spread northwards, reaching the north coast this afternoon.

The rain will be heavy or thundery at times with a risk of localised flooding, especially in the west. It will become lighter in the south this evening. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees.

Tonight will be dull with outbreaks of rain in most areas - heaviest in Munster, Connacht and south Leinster.

While Thursday will be wet with spells of heavy or thundery rain in many areas and a risk of flooding, especially in the west. The rain will gradually clear eastwards in the evening and night.

Friday will bring a mix of bright or sunny spells and occasional heavy showers, some possibly thundery. Highest temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees.

Saturday will be brighter with some decent sunny spells. But Met Eireann warns there will be further heavy showers in many areas and a risk of thunder in the north.

Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees with moderate to fresh westerly breezes.

Sunday will start off mainly dry with sunny spells. However, rain will spread northeastwards across the country in the second half of the day and become widespread and heavy in the evening and night.

Bank Holiday Monday will be wet in many areas with further spells of heavy rain and the rain will gradually clear eastwards later.