MET ÉIREANN HAS issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford for next week.

Heavy rain, gusty winds and localised flooding expected, with the warnings in effect from midnight on Tuesday until noon across the three counties.

Elsewhere today, after a bright start across most of the country, cloud will build in the south this afternoon, bringing rain that spreads northwards in the evening.

Temperatures will reach 11 to 15 degrees, with light to moderate southerly winds easing later.

Monday will start damp and misty, with showers clearing northwards by the afternoon before heavier rain arrives later in the evening.

Highs of nine to 12 degrees are expected, with winds picking up overnight as rain moves across the country.

Tuesday is set to be the wettest and windiest day, with heavy rain at times, localised flooding, mist and coastal fog across the country.

Temperatures will hit 12 to 15 degrees, with southeast winds fresh to strong and gusty.

The unsettled weather will continue into Thursday and Friday, though early signs suggest cooler, more settled conditions could arrive from the north over the weekend.

Motorists have been urged to take care on affected roads.