Milder-than-average conditions are expected to take hold this week in a predominantly southerly airflow – though showers are also on the cards, according to Met Eireann.

It will be showery today, with occasional sunny breaks. It will be mainly dry to begin in north Leinster and east Ulster this morning, but scattered showers affecting western and southern counties will become more widespread this afternoon and evening.

Some of the showers will be heavy and thundery with a risk of hail, the national meteorological office warns.

Mostly moderate southerly breezes will veer south-west this evening and freshen, with highest temperatures of 9° to 12°.

There will be some further scattered showers about early tonight, but they will become increasingly isolated with long clear spells developing.

Southwesterly breezes will ease off, and back southerly by morning. It will be rather cold, with lowest temperatures of 2° to 6°.

Drying conditions will be generally poor this coming week with rain or showers on most days.

The best opportunities will be in the north and east of the country late in the week and next weekend, conditions should be moderate to good, in most places.

Spraying opportunities will also be limited over much of the coming week due to breezy or windy conditions as unsettled weather continues. However, some periods should open up next weekend.

Regarding field conditions, soils are close to saturation, and some poorly-drained soils are waterlogged.

There will be little change in field conditions until Friday. Drier weather then and over the weekend should see a little improvement.

Tomorrow

There should be a cool but mostly dry and bright start to Tuesday with sunny spells, brightest across the eastern half of the country.

It will become breezy into the afternoon with increasing cloud, as outbreaks of rain gradually move in from the west. Many eastern counties will stay dry until after dark however. Top temperatures will reach 10° to 14°.

Tomorrow night will be mild and breezy with outbreaks of rain spreading countrywide, according to Met Eireann.

Some heavy falls will occur, especially in western and southern coastal counties, particularly about high ground, with spot flooding likely.

There will be moderate to fresh and gusty southerly winds, will be strong to near gale on coasts.

Minimum temperatures will drop to 9° to 12°, occurring early in the night, rising 12° to 15° by dawn.

Outlook

Wednesday will start out dull, damp and breezy but rather mild with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, heavy in places with spot flooding likely in parts of the west and south.

The rain will gradually become lighter and patchier through the day and longer drier intervals will develop, especially away from southern and western coastal counties.

Top temperatures will reach 13° to 15° in moderate to fresh and gusty southerly winds, strong at times in the coastal fringes.

It will be mild and misty on Wednesday night with outbreaks of rain and drizzle continuing, mainly in southern and western counties.

Drier conditions are expected elsewhere with some clear breaks developing and patches of mist and fog.

Southerly winds will decrease moderate over land and back south-east, but will continue strong to near gale and gusty near Atlantic coasts. Lows of 9° to 12° are on the way, Met Eireann predicts.

Thursday will be cloudy with occasional rain and drizzle in parts of the east and south but a lot of dry weather too with occasional bright spells.

A spell of more persistent rain looks likely to affect Atlantic coastal counties, however. Maximum temperatures of 13° to 15° in a gusty south to southeast breeze.

It will mostly cloudy with patchy rain, drizzle and mist on Thursday night. Minimum temperatures of 9° to 12° are expected in light to moderate south to south-east breezes.