Mixed conditions as unsettled spell returns

Weather update from Met Éireann

After a cloudy start to Friday, brighter conditions are expected to develop across Cavan and Monaghan as sunny spells become more widespread through the afternoon.

There is a slight chance of light rain or drizzle early in the day, particularly in northern areas, before conditions turn drier. Afternoon temperatures will range from 17°C to 24°C, with the warmest weather expected in more sheltered eastern districts. A light to moderate west to northwest breeze will keep conditions pleasant, although sunshine will become increasingly hazy later in the evening as cloud builds from the northwest.

Cloud will thicken overnight, bringing scattered outbreaks of rain or drizzle, particularly across western and northwestern areas, including parts of Cavan. Overnight temperatures will remain mild at 12°C to 15°C, with light to moderate westerly winds becoming fresh at times.

A noticeable change in the weather is on the way for the weekend, with cooler, cloudier and breezier conditions replacing the recent warm spell.

Saturday will be overcast with outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading southeastwards during the day. The heaviest rain is expected in western and northern counties before becoming lighter and patchier further east. Another spell of persistent rain is forecast to arrive in western areas during the evening, while hill and coastal mist will also develop.

Daytime temperatures will reach 15°C to 21°C in a moderate to fresh westerly breeze.

The unsettled pattern looks set to continue into next week.

Sunday will begin cloudy with patchy rain and drizzle before gradually becoming drier with some brighter intervals later in the day. Temperatures will range from 15°C to 20°C.

Monday is expected to bring further cloud and outbreaks of rain, particularly across northern and western counties, although southeastern areas may stay largely dry. Temperatures will range from 16°C to 23°C.

Tuesday is forecast to remain mostly cloudy with further spells of rain or drizzle, especially in the north and west. It will become a little warmer again, with highs of 17°C to 24°C, although moderate to fresh southwesterly winds will persist.