Parts of the country are set to enjoy dry periods this weekend, with just a few light showers, according to Met Eireann.
This morning, there will be variable cloud amounts and showers – which will be heaviest and most prevalent in Connacht and west Munster; isolated showers are expected elsewhere.
There is a danger of these showers merging into longer spells of rain in the west later this morning, and that rain will gradually extend eastwards over the country this afternoon – though Leinster and east Ulster should stay mostly dry until evening time.
Temperatures will reach highs of 6º to 9º in freshening southerly winds.
Minimum temperatures of -1º to 4º are expected, with frost forming by dawn in sheltered spots.
A slight improvement in field conditions is likely over the coming days, despite most soils being saturated or waterlogged at the moment – especially in the south and west.
There will be welcome drying opportunities over the next few days and opportunities for spraying should arise a lot too, Met Eireann added.
Tomorrow
It is forecast to be dry across the bulk of the country tomorrow with sunny spells, and just a few showers – mainly near Atlantic coasts.
However, patchy rain and drizzle will develop in the south-west during the afternoon and will extend to much of Munster, Connacht and west Ulster during the evening and early tomorrow night.
Top temperatures will range from 7º to 11º in moderate southerly winds.
Conditions are set to be cloudy and damp tomorrow night, with patchy rain and drizzle. Areas of mist and fog will form also. Temperatures may drop to between 6º and 8º, in light or moderate southerly winds.
Sunday
It looks as if Sunday will be a mostly cloudy and damp day, with patchy rain and drizzle.
It will be largely dry overnight, but with patches of mist, fog and drizzle – minimum temperatures of 6º to 9º are expected.
Outlook
Current indications suggest that Monday will be a largely dry day with just a few patches of drizzle here and there.
Cloud will break at times to allow for some sunnier interludes, Met Eireann added.
Top temperatures of 10º to 13º are likely in light, variable breezes. As well as this, there is the risk of a spell of rain developing overnight.