Some heavy showers and windy conditions are set to bring an end to the recent spell of dry and sunny weather this weekend, according to Met Eireann.
Today, Friday, is expected to be mostly cloudy with some scattered outbreaks of rain. These showers may turn heavy locally, with a risk of thundery downpours.
It is forecast to be rather misty in places at first; mist patches will linger all day around some hills and coasts, but limited brighter intervals will also occur.
Top temperatures of 15° to 18° are expected, in mainly light and variable breezes.
Outbreaks of rain, still locally heavy at first, are forecast to gradually retreat northeastwards overnight. It is set to become mainly dry over Munster with clear spells developing; temperatures are set to drop to between 6° and 9°.
Drying conditions have been excellent recently, which has brought its own problems, according to Met Eireann. Many people will welcome the return of wetter weather, it added.
Tomorrow
A dry and bright start is expected for many places tomorrow, Saturday. Some lingering rain around Ulster and north Leinster is set to clear northeastwards.
This band of rain is likely to track northeastwards over the country during the afternoon and evening, followed by scattered showers.
Temperatures are set to reach highs of 17°, in moderate south to southwest breezes. Winds will turn fresh to strong and gusty near the coastal fringes.
Many places are expected to remain dry with a mix of cloud and clear spells, but showers may affect Atlantic coastal counties; temperatures could drop to as low as 4°.
Sunday
Sunday is set to bring a mix of sunshine and showers, as top temperatures range from 13° to 16°. It is forecast to turn increasingly cloudy and windier from the southwest towards evening.
A band of rain is expected to spread northeastwards over Munster and Connacht by sundown.
Sunday night is likely to bring some wet and windy conditions. Rain is forecast countrywide on Sunday night; it is set to turn persistent and heavy in places, with the potential for localised flooding.
Monday
There will be a wet and windy start to the working week, with the risk of scattered outbreaks of rain turning heavy in places, according to Met Eireann.
However, the rain will gradually become lighter and patchier as the day goes on. Highs of 14° to 18° are expected, in gusty southerly winds.
Outlook
Early indications for next week suggest that Tuesday will be a mostly cloudy day in the east and south. There will also be a risk of some showers or longer spells of rain in those areas.
It is expected to be generally drier and brighter in the west and north, with just occasional showers. Temperatures are set to remain in the low to mid-teens.