A mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers are expected to return this weekend, according to Met Eireann.

A status yellow warning for potato blight has also been issued; weather conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop today, Friday.

This morning is set to be misty and cloudy, with further rain and some fog also likely. Drier, brighter conditions are forecast to follow into Ulster and north Connacht later in the afternoon and evening.

Rain and mist is expected to become more scattered elsewhere, with the possibility of some dry spells developing.

Temperatures are forecast to range from 15º to 20º; values are set to be highest in the southeast, with moderate to fresh southwest breezes.

Tonight is likely to bring mainly dry and clear spells, as temperatures drop to as low as 9º.

Both conditions for drying and spraying will be variable at times over the coming days, due to scattered showers, according to Met Eireann.

At the moment, field conditions are good and most soils are trafficable. But conditions will deteriorate a little along northwest coastal margins over the next few days, it added.

Weekend

Tomorrow, Saturday, is forecast to be a bright, breezy day with sunny spells. It is set to be dry apart from a few showers in northern areas.

Highest temperatures of 14º to 18º are expected – with mostly moderate, westerly breezes.

Meanwhile, On Sunday there is a risk rain will develop in the southwest and spread northeastwards across the country.

This rain could continue through Sunday night, according to Met Eireann. Temperatures could reach highs of between 14º and 20º on Sunday, in light, southerly breezes.

Early next week

There is a risk outbreaks of rain will continue for a time on Monday. The rain is forecast to clear eastwards, with sunny spells and scattered showers following.

As winds remain moderate, temperatures will range from 16º to 19º.

Early indications suggest that Tuesday will bring a mix of sunshine and showers, some showers will turn prolonged in the south, Met Eireann concluded.