A yellow weather warning for heavy rain is in force across most of Northern Ireland on Sunday morning, with the Met Office predicting 20mm to 40mm of rain in just a few hours. The warning runs from 8.30am to 2pm and covers every county except Fermanagh. Affected areas include Belfast, Newry, Armagh, Craigavon, Banbridge, Cookstown, Magherafelt, Kilkeel, and Larne.

The Met Office says the heavy rain may cause disruption to transport, with bus and train services likely to be affected and journey times taking longer due to spray and flooding on roads. Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible. The warning has a medium likelihood but low impact. Motorists are advised to allow additional time for journeys and be prepared for difficult conditions where the heaviest rain develops.

Rain is expected to become widespread and heavy at times during the morning before clearing from the west early in the afternoon. Drier and brighter weather with the odd shower will then spread from the west. Strong southeasterly winds are forecast along exposed parts of the east coast. Maximum temperatures will be around 15°C.

Tonight is expected to become largely dry with some lengthy clear periods, and temperatures falling to around 8°C. Monday should bring a significant improvement, with a dry day, sunny spells, and temperatures reaching about 17°C.

The outlook for Tuesday to Thursday includes dry conditions on Tuesday before rain spreads north, bringing windy conditions with east coast gales later. Wednesday will see sunny spells and a few showers, while Thursday is expected to be mostly dry and bright.