Raining on our parade: weather warning as Paddy’s Day proves a washout

For a week that kicked off with us practically getting out our bikinis, weather conditions have really deteriorated.

Yes, Met Éireann has sadly already issued a status yellow weather warning for four counties in the west of Ireland - creating what ultimately amounts to a pretty miserable St Patrick's weekend. Watch out Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Sligo; you may as well stay indoors. Spells of heavy rain are expected throughout the region today and tomorrow, with rainfall accumulations of 50 to 80mm expected in those four counties alone over a 48 hour period. Areas of high ground in the west of the counties will be the worst affected.

Status Yellow rainfall warning issued for some N & W counties for the weekend. Please see https://t.co/QtEBJHeCVa for further information.

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 16, 2017

Most of Ulster and parts of west Munster will also bear the brunt of heavy rainfall today. By tonight there will be wind while tomorrow is due to be cloudy and misty with temperatures a fairly mild 11 to 14C. Sunday and the beginning of next week don't sound much better, with frost, icy roads and even SNOW promised in places. Might be best to stay inside for a while...