A Met Éireann weather warning has come into effect. Gale force winds are expected across western counties on Monday with gusts of up to 100km/h in coastal areas.
The Status Yellow warning has been issued for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
It is the lowest level of risk, but indicates that those living in exposed areas could be vulnerable. The warning will remain in place until 9pm on Monday.
The expected strong winds have led to the postponement of the World Cup Fly-fishing Championships Final which was scheduled to take place on Lough Mask, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, on Monday. It has been rescheduled for August 15th.
Strong southerly winds will develop during the day, with mean winds of 45-55 km/h along the western seaboard.
Along the west coast average wind speed will reach 55-65 km/h in the afternoon with gusts between 100 and 110 km/h and strong gales at sea.
Horrendous
No respite in the recent run of unsettled, changeable weather is expected in the next week. "The short answer is no," said Met Éireann forecaster David Rodgers, who is stating that the weather will be unsettled for "at least a week".
Nevertheless, he added: "From a Joe Soap perspective there is nothing terribly horrendous about this summer."
The strongest winds will be in the afternoon and will be followed by more rain.
Rain is forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday and only Thursday looks like giving any respite.
The long-term forecast is for heavy showery rain next weekend.
Some parts of the country had more than twice the monthly average rainfall during July though June was dry almost everywhere.
