Dublin: Ireland’s recent spell of warm, dry weather is expected to come to an end this weekend, with forecasters predicting the return of rain, cloud and cooler conditions across much of the country.
After several weeks of sunshine and above-average temperatures, weather experts say a shift in atmospheric conditions will bring more unsettled weather from Saturday onwards.
Weather analyst Cathal Nolan said high pressure will continue to bring warm, sunny conditions through Thursday and Friday, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s in some areas. However, cloud cover will gradually increase before rain spreads across much of the country over the weekend.
Rain Expected from Saturday
According to Nolan, rainfall totals of 5 to 7mm are possible in the west and northwest on Saturday, while most other areas could receive 2 to 5mm of rain. Parts of the southeast may remain largely dry.
Sunday is expected to be mostly cloudy, with patches of mist, drizzle and light rain, particularly across western and northern counties.
Met Éireann Forecast
Met Éireann has forecast a generally cloudy day today, with light rain or drizzle affecting parts of the west and north. The best sunshine will be across southern and eastern counties before cloud develops later in the day.
Temperatures are expected to reach 20°C to 24°C across most of the country, while northern and northwestern areas will remain cooler at 16°C to 19°C under light northerly winds shifting northwesterly.
Tonight will remain largely dry, although isolated showers are expected in northern areas. Overnight temperatures will fall to between 10°C and 14°C.
Friday Forecast
Friday will begin with cloudy skies before sunshine develops through the morning. Most areas are expected to become dry during the afternoon, although cloud will gradually increase from the northwest later in the day.
Daytime temperatures will range from 19°C to 25°C, with cooler conditions along Atlantic coastal counties due to light to moderate west to northwest winds.
Friday night will bring increasing cloud, particularly across the northwest, with light rain and drizzle developing in some areas. Overnight temperatures will range between 12°C and 15°C, accompanied by strengthening westerly winds.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday is expected to be cloudy, breezy and cooler, with persistent spells of rain, drizzle and mist across western and northern regions.
Temperatures will range from 16°C in the northwest to around 22°C in the southeast, with moderate to fresh westerly winds.
Saturday night will remain mostly cloudy, with patchy rain, drizzle and mist continuing across southern and eastern areas. Temperatures will fall to between 11°C and 14°C.
Cloudy and Cooler on Sunday
Sunday will continue the unsettled pattern, with cloudy skies, brisk winds and occasional drizzle or light rain, particularly over hills and coastal areas.
Some brighter spells are expected across eastern and southern counties later in the day, while rainfall will remain concentrated in the west and northwest.
Maximum temperatures will range from 15°C to 21°C, with cooler conditions persisting in northwestern counties due to moderate west to northwest winds.
Met Éireann says the unsettled weather pattern is likely to continue into early next week, with further showers expected, especially across the west and northwest.
Irish Samachar English