A wetter-than-average spell is on the way, with rain and showers set to dominate the weather over the coming days, at times turning heavy, according to Met Éireann.

Latest forecasts suggest there will be some drier breaks, but rainfall totals are expected to run well above normal across much of the country.

The north-west looks set to see the wettest conditions, with up to 250% of average rainfall currently forecast.

In contrast, the far south and south-east should be the driest areas, with rainfall closer to or below normal levels.

Today (Friday, September 11) is likely to be a bright and generally dry day with sunny spells and just the odd shower, especially in the west and north-west according to the national meteorological service.

Temperatures today will be in the region of 15° to 20°C.

Cloud will thicken near western Atlantic coasts later in the evening and there will be outbreaks of rain and drizzle.

By nightfall the rain will turn heavier particularly across the west and north and winds will increase to moderate to fresh and gusty, stronger near coasts. Lowest temperatures will be between 10° to 15°C.

Met Éireann

Saturday will start off wet and breezy but the rain will clear south-wards throughout the morning and potentially linger longer in the south for much of the day.

Met Éireann said: "Further north, drier conditions will develop with scattered showers and possibly some brighter spells following the clearance of the rain.

National outlook

Today and Sunday will offer the best drying conditions over the next few days, according to Met Éireann.

There will also be limited opportunities for spraying because of the potential for rain, showers and breezy conditions.

Sunday is likely to stay dry for most of the day with "just a few light showers about", latest forecasts suggest.

Although it is likely to be quite cloudy, there will also be some sunny spells with temperatures set to average 16° to 21°C.

Sunday night will start off dry with a mix of cloud and clear spells but then outbreaks of rain are expected to arrive into Atlantic coastal areas towards morning.

Monday

The national meteorological service is currently warning that it is likely to be a wet and breezy start to next week.

It has forecast "widespread rain, turning heavy and persistent at times".

"Highest temperatures of 17° to 21°C with moderate to fresh south-westerly winds, veering westerly with the clearance of the rain," Met Éireann stated.

Tuesday

Looking ahead, Tuesday is expected to bring fresh and breezy conditions with sunny spells and scattered showers.

The showers are likely to mainly affect the west and north of the country but it is also expected to turn a little cooler with highest temperatures of 14° to 18°C.

Outlook

According to Met Éireann, it is going to a very "mixed" bag of weather next week with showers or spells of rain forecast for each day, but also some drier and brighter spells.

"Turning breezy at times too, with maximum temperatures in the mid-teens generally," it added.