Ireland is set for a turbulent stretch of weather over the weekend and into next week, with a complex and stubborn low-pressure system eventually anchoring itself over the southern part of the island early next week.

This system, surrounded by high pressure to the west, east, and south, is expected to keep conditions unsettled through mid-November, bringing frequent rain, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional sunshine.

The interplay between these opposing pressure systems will create a volatile atmospheric setup. The low pressure over Ireland will act as a conveyor belt for moisture-laden air, resulting in persistent outbreaks of rain. Meanwhile, colder air from northern Scotland is forecast to push southward later in the week, potentially colliding with the milder, unstable air over Ireland. This clash could lead to heavier rainfall, thundery downpours, and a marked drop in temperatures.

Weekend Weather Snapshot

Friday begins with a dry spell across the northern half of the country, but rain from the southwest will gradually spread, followed by brighter conditions and scattered showers. Rain will linger in north Leinster and Ulster into the evening, with highs between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius.

Saturday offers a mostly dry start, though light rain or drizzle will reach Atlantic counties by early afternoon, intensifying by evening. Overnight, the southeast may see thundery downpours, driven by freshening southerly winds. Temperatures will range from 10 to 13 degrees.

Sunday starts dry but turns wetter as showers spread from the southwest, becoming heavier in Leinster and east Ulster. The west and northwest may enjoy brief dry spells, with highs of 11 to 13 degrees.

Early Next Week: A Brief Respite

Monday brings a temporary break from the rain, with drier and brighter conditions expected. Sunshine will be more widespread, although mist or fog may linger in parts of Leinster. Rain will return to the southwest by evening, spreading northeast overnight. Temperatures will dip slightly, ranging from 8 to 12 degrees, coolest in Ulster.

Tuesday begins wet in Ulster and north Leinster, with showers and sunny breaks moving in from the southwest. Some showers may merge into longer spells of rain, particularly in the southwest and west. Highs will climb to between 12 and 14 degrees.

Outlook: Cooler, Possibly Calmer Mid-Month

Looking ahead, the low-pressure system is expected to remain dominant until around Saturday, November 15th. However, as colder air from the north continues to press southward, Ireland may transition to a cooler and more settled pattern. High pressure could begin to assert itself more strongly, increasing the likelihood of drier, calmer weather in the second half of the month.