The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across Northern Ireland, as a persistent band of heavy rain settles over the region.

The warning, which came into effect at 10am, is set to remain in place until 23:59 tonight, with forecasters predicting near-constant rainfall throughout the day and into the early hours of Friday.

Heavy and prolonged rain may lead to localised flooding on roads and could impact public transport services. Commuters are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, as spray and flooding on roads are expected to make driving conditions difficult. There is also a chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses. In Belfast and the surrounding areas, the chance of precipitation remains at or above 95% for the duration of the afternoon and evening. Temperatures are expected to stay relatively mild, peaking at around 9°C, though a brisk southeasterly wind with gusts of up to 37mph will make it feel significantly cooler, with "feels like" temperatures dropping to 4°C after dark.

The Met Office suggests that residents in areas prone to flooding should take early precautions. This includes checking for updates on public transport and ensuring that any essential travel is planned with the weather conditions in mind.

Looking ahead to Friday, the forecast suggests that while the yellow warning will have expired, the weather will remain unsettled with further heavy rain and showers expected throughout the morning.