Met Éireann has issued its first marine warning in over a week, signalling a shift toward more unsettled conditions heading into the weekend.

Southeasterly winds are forecast to reach force 6 off the southwest coast on Friday, prompting a yellow-level small craft warning from midday until midnight.

The advisory affects coastal waters from Mizen Head to Valentia and up to Loop Head. Mariners are urged to take precautions as the strengthening winds may pose risks to smaller vessels.

The warning comes amid signs of deteriorating weather nationwide. Heavy rain is expected to spread across the country on Saturday, with further rainfall likely on Sunday, particularly in eastern counties.

A slack Atlantic airflow will bring a mix of dry spells and scattered heavy showers next week. The driest conditions will likely be in the east and south. Rainfall totals will be near average. Daytime temperatures will be close to or slightly below average and will fall to single figures by next weekend, especially in the north and west, with an increasing risk of overnight frost as winds turn more northerly.