This week is set to bring a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers, but conditions will remain relatively mild, according to Met Eireann.

Today, Monday, will be cloudy at first with patches of rain, drizzle and fog expected to form; some heavy pockets of rain may develop over parts of Leinster and Ulster.

It is set to become mainly dry during the day with some bright or sunny spells forecast, alongside a few scattered showers. Temperatures are likely to range from 15º to 19º.

Tonight is expected to be mainly dry at first with plenty of clear spells, but outbreaks of rain and drizzle will develop in Atlantic coastal areas. These showers are forecast to extend gradually eastwards, turning very patchy in the process.

Drying conditions will be moderate to good over the coming week, according to Met Eireann.

There will also be some opportunities for spraying in the next few days; Wednesday is likely to be the best day for spraying, with little or no precipitation forecast and light winds expected.

Meanwhile, field conditions are likely to remain unchanged this week; soil moisture deficits are currently running at between 10mm and 30mm in most parts of the country.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, will be cloudy in many areas at first; some patchy rain and drizzle is expected, mainly in parts of the north and east.

It is forecast to brighten up gradually from the west, with sunny spells developing and just a few isolated showers.

Conditions are set to be cooler and fresher than the previous day, in moderate westerly breezes. Maximum temperatures of 14º to 17º are expected generally, but closer to 19º is forecast in the southeast.

On Tuesday night, it is likely to remain mainly dry with some clear spells. Patches of mist and fog may develop, as temperatures drop to as low as 4º.

Wednesday

Most areas will be dry on Wednesday; some bright or sunny spells are forecast, mainly in eastern areas. However, it is set to be cloudy in many parts, with a risk of a little patchy drizzle or light rain along southern, western and northwestern coastal areas.

As temperatures reach highs of 20º, there is a possibility of some hill and coastal fog developing.

Thursday

Outbreaks of rain are forecast to become persistent for a time in Atlantic coastal counties early on Thursday morning. These showers are likely to spread gradually eastwards across the country, in mostly moderate southerly winds.

Clearer and cooler conditions are expected to prevail during the afternoon and evening, as temperatures remain in the mid-teens.

Outlook

Early indications suggest that conditions on Friday, and into next weekend, will remain relatively cool and fresh. Some sunny spells and scattered showers are also likely to develop.

There is a danger that these showers could turn heavy, with a risk of thunder; some areas may escape with very few of the showers, according to Met Eireann.