DRIER CONDITIONS are expected across the country today after heavy downpours caused a flood risk in parts of Leinster and east Munster yesterday.
A band of heavy rain which caused severe flooding in Wales and central England pushed across the Irish Sea early yesterday morning, causing heavy and persistent rainfall across Leinster.
Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford were worst affected with up to 40mm of rain falling in some areas.
“Ground conditions are very saturated at the moment all over the country,” said Met Éireann meteorologist Vincent O’Shea. “Water table levels are high which increases the risk of flooding, but we are not expecting the same level of heavy localised rainfall that caused flooding in Cork and Antrim last week,” he said.
Met Éireann issued a flood warning for Leinster, but yesterday evening a spokeswoman said the rainfall had not been heavy enough to cause flooding.
Bright and sunny spells are expected in the south and east today, but the west and northwest of the country will experience scattered showers and heavy rain at times. Some parts of Ulster could be at risk of localised flooding.
Fans attending the Swedish House Mafia concert in the Phoenix Park in Dublin tonight, the second of three gigs in the park this weekend, have been advised to “dress appropriately” for the weather.
Concert organisers MCD has struggled to deal with the sodden ground at the venue following near record levels of rainfall in recent weeks, which was made worse by persistent downpours yesterday.
The rain held off for the Stone Roses concert on Thursday evening, but fans reported muddy conditions in the park.
MCD spokesman Justin Green said the grounds crew and the Office of Public Works have been working hard since Thursday night to prepare the ground for tonight’s gig, and a truck full of hay bales has been delivered to try to tackle the mud.
“Despite all the hard work that is being done, we can only do so much,” he said. “This is Ireland, the weather is as it is, so we are still telling people to come prepared for rain and muck and to wear their wellies and waterproofs.” Morning showers in the capital are expected to clear by afternoon, with some sunny spells. It will be mild, with temperatures of 16-20 degrees.
