The Met Office has advised residents in three regions to prepare an “emergency” kit that may be needed for 12 hours on Sunday. According to the weather forecast, heavy rain is expected to cover all of Northern Ireland from Saturday night until Sunday morning. A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued from midnight until midday, with risks of flooding, power disruptions, and travel delays on the roads.
The warning applies to County Antrim, County Armagh, and County Down, with the heaviest rain expected in the southeast, where 20mm to 30mm of rain is likely. In the Mournes area, a buildup of 60-100 mm of rain is anticipated in the early hours of Sunday.
Residents are advised to assess the flood risk to their properties and prepare a flood plan along with an emergency flood kit. In case of power outages, it is recommended to have essential items such as torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other necessities ready. No additional weather warnings are currently in effect for the upcoming days.
Meanwhile, forecasters predict intermittent periods of sunshine in some parts of the UK on Saturday after a week of overcast weather. The persistent gloomy conditions, caused by an anticyclone or high-pressure system, have prevented the sun from breaking through. Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer mentioned that eastern areas might experience the best sunshine, with a slightly brighter outlook than recent days.
Although Saturday may have more breaks in the cloud cover, Sunday is expected to start damp with rain likely throughout the day and windier conditions. The start of the following week is forecasted to bring more rain and some blustery showers on Monday, with temperatures remaining near normal.
Looking ahead to the long-range forecast from October 22 to October 31, an unsettled weather pattern is anticipated across the UK, with outbreaks of rain, strong winds, and cooler temperatures expected in various regions. Showers or longer spells of rain are likely, particularly in the north or northeast, while the southwest may experience drier conditions overall. Temperature-wise, levels are expected to be close to or slightly below the seasonal average.
