The Met Office has issued a warning for residents in three regions to be prepared with an “emergency” kit that may be needed for 12 hours on Sunday.
According to the weather forecast, heavy rain is expected to move across all of Northern Ireland from Saturday night into Sunday morning. A yellow weather alert for rain has been put in place from midnight until midday. The Met Office cautioned about potential flooding, power outages, and travel delays on roads.
The warning covers County Antrim, County Armagh, and County Down, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated in the southeast, where 20mm to 30mm could accumulate. In the Mournes region, rainfall amounts of 60-100 mm are likely during the early hours of Sunday.
Residents are advised to assess their properties for flood risk and to create a flood plan along with an emergency flood kit. Additionally, preparations for power cuts should include essential items like flashlights, batteries, a portable phone charger, and other necessities. No further weather warnings are currently in effect for the upcoming days.
Meanwhile, forecasters predict that some parts of the UK may experience periods of sunshine on Saturday after a week of dull weather caused by an anticyclonic system. The phenomenon results in a layer of low cloud formation due to sinking air under high pressure, hindering sunlight penetration. Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer mentioned that eastern areas might see the sunniest intervals, offering a brighter outlook.
Although the day may remain cloudy for many, Saturday is expected to have more breaks in the cloud cover compared to recent days. However, Sunday is likely to start damp with widespread rain and windy conditions anticipated.
The early part of next week is forecasted to bring more rain and blustery showers on Monday, with temperatures expected to be around average. Looking ahead to the latter part of October, unsettled weather patterns are predicted to prevail, with outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds moving across the UK. Showers or prolonged rainy spells are expected in various regions, with temperatures likely to be near or slightly below normal levels.