There could be localised flooding in parts of Munster, while the northwest and west will be drier than the rest of the country, Met Éireann has said.
A status orange rain warning is in place for Cork and Waterford until 6pm, with persistent and heavy rain for the rest of the day. Met Éireann says flooding is possible, along with poor visibility.
A less severe status yellow rain warning also continues for 11 counties until 6pm, with persistent rain in Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary. There is a possibility of poor visibility and localised flooding until this evening.
Temperatures will range from 12 to 15C in light to moderate breezes, while the rain will gradually ease in the evening, with clear spells developing overnight.
Tonight, temperatures will drop to 8 to 10C.
The weekend will be start mostly dry, however light rain is possible in the east and southeast on Saturday.
The rest of the country will be sunny, with the northwest enjoying the best sunny spells.
Highest temperatures are expected to be between 15 to 17C with freshening breezes.
Saturday night will be cloudy with possible showers in some places and temperatures as low as 8-12C.
Heavier rain may arrive on the south coast by Sunday morning, and then spread across the country.
Met Éireann is warning of localised possible flooding for the eastern half of the country due to heavier and more persistent rain.
“Highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees in light to moderate easterly breezes becoming light northwest later,” Met Éireann said.
Sunday night is expected to be cold, with temperatures from 10 to 11C with only light winds.
Rain on Sunday night is expected to clear out in most places but might linger along the eastern coast.