Unsettled weather conditions are set to continue this weekend, but a dry spell is expected early next week, according to Met Eireann.
Today, Friday, is forecast to be sunny in many areas. But some heavy and possibly thundery showers are also likely to occur throughout the day.
There is a danger of these showers merging to longer spells of rain at times in the north-west of the country. A fresh, blustery day is in store, with top temperatures reaching 13º to 16º.
A few showers may persist overnight, but they are set to become largely confined to Atlantic coastal districts – with many areas becoming dry and clear. Temperatures will drop to between 6º and 10º.
Both drying and spraying conditions are set to be poor this weekend due to the heavy rain forecast, but there is an expectation of conditions improving from later on Monday – as high pressure builds for a time.
Soils across the country are saturated, with soil moisture deficit levels close to zero everywhere, Met Eireann added.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Saturday, is forecast to be mostly cloudy across Munster and south Leinster. Patchy rain may turn persistent near southern coasts.
A spell of rain is likely to reach Atlantic coastal counties early on Saturday night and it will extend eastwards across the country, turning heavy in places, according to Met Eireann.
The rain will be accompanied by strengthening southwesterly winds, as temperatures drop to as low as 8º.
Sunday
Wet and windy conditions are forecast on Sunday. There is a danger that outbreaks of rain will push north-east across the country. Some heavy rainfall will be possible in the north of the country.
The rain looks set to clear quickly eastwards into Britain in the afternoon. This is expected to leave a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers for the evening.
Temperatures may vary from anywhere between 9º and 18º during the course of the day. Winds will remain strong and gusty, with the risk of gales at sea.
Outlook
Early indications suggest that a spell of heavy rain is due to move eastwards across the country on Monday morning, but some northern areas may hold dry.
The rain is forecast to clear eastwards into Britain in the afternoon, leaving much of the country dry with sunny spells and just the odd shower. Temperatures will remain in the mid-teens.
Similarly dry conditions, with just the odd scattered shower, are expected to continue until Wednesday.