Scattered showers are set to affect most areas this weekend, with some patches of fog also expected at times, according to Met Eireann.

This morning, Friday, will see persistent rain in many areas. This rain is forecast to gradually clear into the Irish Sea early in the afternoon to leave much of the country dry.

But there will be some further patchy rain, especially in the south and west. Temperatures in the afternoon are set to range from 9 to 12 degrees as winds veer westerly.

It is forecast to continue relatively misty overnight with patches of drizzle and fog, while temperatures fall slightly to between 7 to 9 degrees.

Both drying and spraying conditions are expected to be relatively poor over the coming days as outbreaks of rain move in from the Atlantic.

At the moment well and moderately drained soils are trafficable in most regions, but poorly drained soils are saturated and will remain so for the coming week.

However, conditions are set to become less favourable following these expected outbreaks of rain from the Atlantic, with well drained soils set to be the least effected.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Saturday, will begin quite dull, damp and misty with patches of light rain and drizzle.

But it is forecast to develop into a drier day with some bright or sunny spells, with afternoon temperatures set to reach between 10 to 11 degrees in mostly light southwest or variable breezes.

Very little changes are expected on Saturday night, but temperatures will range from 3 to 5 degrees where skies are clear, compared to 5 and 7 degrees where cloud lingers.

Sunday

Sunday is set to be rather mild for this time of year, while it will also be cloudy with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle.

Patches of mist and fog will also affect coastal areas, particularly along the south coast, but brighter weather is expected to develop further north.

Outbreaks of rain are forecast to become more persistent by evening, with the rain set to clear eastwards overnight, turning heavy and widespread.

Along with the rain, Met Eireann expects that winds will increase in strength from fresh to strong southerly.

Outlook

Rain is set to clear eastwards on Monday morning and it will turn much colder as the day goes on.

Temperatures are forecast to continue to fall during the afternoon and by Monday evening it will be frosty once again.

Ongoing showers are expected to to fall along the west and north coasts during the afternoon.

Meanwhile, early indications suggest that the early days of next week will be affected by some unsettled weather, which will bring rain at times.