Fine Friday before rain edges back into the weekend

Weather update from Met Éireann

Cavan and Monaghan are set for another largely dry and pleasant day today (Friday), with sunny spells developing through broken cloud and only the slight chance of an isolated light shower.

Temperatures will reach between 16C and 24C, with the warmest conditions across Leinster. Light to moderate southwesterly winds will prevail, becoming a little fresher at times near northwestern coasts.

It will remain mainly dry tonight, with the clearest skies across Munster and Leinster. Cloud will increase across Ulster overnight, however, bringing patchy rain and drizzle to parts of the northwest by morning.

Overnight temperatures will fall to between 8C and 13C in light southerly or variable breezes.

Cloudier conditions will spread across the country on Saturday. Outbreaks of rain and drizzle will affect Ulster, Connacht and west Munster for much of the day before gradually extending eastwards into Leinster during the evening.

Much of Leinster and Munster will stay largely dry with some bright or sunny spells.

Temperatures will range from 16C to 20C in Ulster and Connacht, rising to 20C to 25C further south and east, with light to moderate south to southwesterly winds.

The outlook for the days ahead is for a mix of dry weather and occasional spells of rain, with western and northern counties likely to see the wettest conditions.

Saturday night will be mild and mostly cloudy, with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle, mainly in Ulster. Some dry spells are expected further south, with temperatures holding between 11C and 16C.

Sunday will remain mostly cloudy as patchy rain and drizzle slowly clear southeastwards. Temperatures will range from 16C in the northwest to 24C in the southeast.

After a cool, largely dry Sunday night, Monday looks set to bring a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, with highs of 17C to 22C.

Warmer conditions are expected to return on Tuesday, with plenty of bright spells before rain reaches western counties later in the day. Temperatures will climb to between 21C and 25C.

Wednesday will be warm and humid, with outbreaks of rain moving slowly eastwards and highs of 22C to 27C.

Looking further ahead, Thursday and Friday are expected to be a little cooler and fresher, although there should still be plenty of dry weather between occasional showers or spells of rain.