Updated 9.33pm

HEAVY RAIN THIS evening has caused flooding in a number of areas across the country.

Just when we thought we might see some September sun, our hopes were quickly dashed by autumn’s first weather warning.

There is currently an orange rainfall warning in effect in Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.

The rest of the country isn’t getting off easy, as there is a status yellow warning still in effect Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Waterford.

Pretty much everywhere on the island is a washout right now.

Met Eireann is forecasting accumulations of 35 to 50mm and on high ground, mountain and coastal counties, amounts of 60 to 70mm are possible.

Here is their latest rainfall graph:

And this is how Ireland is looking right now:

Rain will continue  into the tonight in many areas, heavy in places with isolated thunderstorms.

Tomorrow is not much better. It will start off wet again in the morning, but Met Eireann says this could clear for some sunshine.

However more showers will follow from the southwest and rain may linger for much of the day over northern parts.

Tomorrow night there will be more rain over the south and west Munster.

Perhaps Sunday will be better? Afraid not.

Rain will become widespread over the country during Sunday morning with further heavy falls expected, especially over parts of Munster and Connacht.

The rain will continue overnight and will be heavy in many places. Some further local flooding is possible.

Okay, Monday then? Still no.

There will be further showers and longer spells of rain during Monday, heavy in places.

There is some hope for Tuesday, with Met Eireann’s present charts indicating a mostly dry, bright day, with sunny spells and just the odd light shower.

We can but live in hope.

So, if you have had that box set you have been waiting to crack into, now is the time. Head home, call for take out, put on your PJs and settle in for the weekend.

Or if you want to brave it and head out, more power to you.

- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.

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