The flooding already affecting farmers in counties Cork and Kerry is set to worsen in the coming days, according to the latest forecast from Met Éireann. The meteorological body has issued a yellow rainfall warning for both counties with 25mm to 35mm of rain expected to fall in these areas during the day on Friday and overnight, with possibly higher totals on mountains. Met Éireann says this will "compound flooding conditions" in these counties.

Generally on New Year's Day (Friday) it will be wet and windy over Munster and south Leinster, and this weather will extend to remaining areas during the afternoon. The rain will be heaviest in southern coastal counties, where the rainfall warning is in place.

Friday night will continue mostly overcast with further outbreaks of rain in many parts of the country. Moderate to fresh, east to northeast breezes will prevail, making it feel cold but Met Éireann does not predict frost.

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The following day, Saturday, will see overcast, damp or wet conditions persisting for the morning. But there will be a steady improvement to mainly dry weather during the afternoon, although cloud is likely to persist.

Fortunately the early days of next week will see only scattered showers, and although the days will be cool it is not likely to be windy.

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