Outbreaks of rain are forecast this week alongside some sunny spells, as the recent unsettled conditions continue, according to Met Eireann.

This morning, Monday, will be cloudy and it is likely to become increasingly windy too. It is expected to be dry for much of day in the east and south, with just patchy light rain.

There is a possibility of rain – developing in the west and north – becoming persistent and heavy this evening. Temperatures of 11º to 13º are expected in freshening southwesterly winds, rising to gale strength near Atlantic coasts.

It is set to be largely dry at first tonight in eastern areas, but heavy and persistent rain in the west will transfer eastwards overnight with low cloud and mist.

A clearance is forecast to follow from the west later in the night, as the gusty southerly winds veer northwesterly and ease. Temperatures may drop to as low as 3º.

Conditions for drying will be variable over the coming week, while there will be limited opportunities for spraying in the coming days.

Most well-drained and moderately-drained soils are trafficable at present. But poorly-drained soils are saturated, though they will improve slightly in the midlands, east and south, according to Met Eireann.

Tomorrow

Remaining rain in the east is likely to clear quickly tomorrow morning – with cold, crisp and sunny conditions extending countrywide by the afternoon.

There is a danger of a few scattered showers – which may turn heavy with a risk of hail and thunder – affecting Atlantic coastal counties.

It is set to be chilly, with afternoon highs of just 7º to 9º in mostly moderate west to south-west winds.

Wednesday

Conditions are expected to be mostly cloudy on Wednesday, with rain spreading east to all areas during the day as it turns milder.

The rain will be quite persistent but amounts will be small, as south-west winds remain moderate, Met Eireann explained.

Outlook

Thursday is forecast to be a bright, mild day with varying cloud and sunny spells. It is set to be dry, other than isolated showers in the north and west – as temperatures typically range in the low teens.

A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain is expected on Friday. Westerly winds will be fresh, but it is likely to stay mild.

Early indications suggest that conditions will be changeable and unsettled next weekend. There is a danger of it turning progressively colder too.