Forecaster pinpoints counties in firing line amid 110km/h double storm risk for Ireland

Ireland is at risk of two rounds of stormy weather before the week is out, according to the latest forecast and an update from Met Éireann.

The first band of stormy weather will arrive on Friday and while Met Éireann has yet to issue any warnings, they say we will see "strong and gusty" winds.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has issued a number of alerts with wind gusts possibly reaching 110km/h in parts as he pinpointed the counties to be worst-hit.

He explains: "An area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of wet and windy weather across the country late Thursday night and through much of Friday. All areas will experience a spell of locally heavy rain with a risk of some thundery downpours, as well as some gusty south to southwesterly winds.

"The winds will be strongest in coastal parts of Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Meath, Louth, Down and Antrim where gusts could well reach between 100-110km/h, while further inland winds could approach 90km/h causing some local distraction to power and transport services," he added.

"The heaviest rainfall is expected across the south and southwest of the country with rainfall totals over parts of Cork, Kerry, Waterford and into Wexford reaching up to 30-40mm, with up to 50mm possible over the high ground of the southwest with a risk of some localised flooding in the area," Cathal explained.

READ NEXT: Weather expert warns brewing storms set to hit this week may cause power disruptions

Met Éireann's forecast for Thursday reads: "Blustery with outbreaks of heavy, thundery rain at first. Brighter conditions and scattered showers will spread from the west through the morning. Some showers will be heavy with isolated thunderstorms, but they will become isolated in the evening as cloud builds from the south and west. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, easing towards the evening.

"After a mostly dry start to the night it will turn wet and breezy with rain extending from the southwest, heavy in places with localised flooding possible, especially for southern areas. The rain will be accompanied by strong and gusty southerly winds. Temperatures will not fall below 7 to 10 degrees.

"Wet and breezy at first with widespread rain resulting in spot flooding [on Friday]. The rain will clear eastwards through the morning and early afternoon with sunny spells and scattered showers following with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Highest afternoon temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees. Strong and gusty southerly winds will veer southwest and decrease moderate to fresh as the rain clears," Met Éireann's forecast adds.

They say showers will ease later on Friday night and become "mostly confined to Atlantic coasts for the night with dry and clear conditions elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees."

Forecasters there say Saturday will be "a day of sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly for Atlantic areas at first but extending eastwards through the morning and afternoon. Cloud will build from the southwest later. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with mostly moderate southwest winds."

Cathal Nolan also foresees "disruptive" stormy weather on Sunday with strong winds expected again. Weather warnings could be issued for the conditions in the coming days.

For now, Met Éireann says, "Sunday looks like it will be a rather windy day with strong to near gale force and gusty southwest winds, reaching gale force at the coasts. Heavy rain which may lead to spot flooding along Atlantic coastal counties will clear eastwards in the morning and early afternoon with sunny spells and scattered showers following. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees."