Drier and warmer than average conditions to persist into early April

Largely settled weather will persist across Ireland with drier and warmer than average conditions for the remainder of March and opening days of April.

High pressure will be situated close to or over Ireland and while some frontal systems will bring some rain or showers at times later this week and next weekend, the next two weeks are looking generally dry.

The low pressure system that brought heavy rain to many parts of the island on Friday and Saturday has moved on and been replaced by dry and bright conditions.

More rain fell during the past 48 hours than what has been recorded in the previous three weeks.

25.7mm has been recorded at Cork Airport, which represents almost double the rainfall recorded at the station since the start of the month.

It will be largely overcast today in the eastern half of Ireland, but there will be sunny spells further west.

Top temperatures will range from 9 to 12°C in moderate northerly winds.

It will be cold overnight into Monday morning with temperatures dropping below freezing under clear skies and slack north winds.

Monday will be dry with all areas enjoying sunny spells. Cloud may build in the northwest by evening with a chance of light drizzle for a time tomorrow night.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be similar days with top temperatures of 10 to 14°C as gentle northwest winds swing to a southwest direction.

More persistent rain will move into Atlantic coastal counties on Wednesday evening and will push eastward overnight into Thursday morning.

Thursday will be largely overcast but dry.

Frontal systems bringing heavy showers or longer spells of rain will cross Ireland from the northwest on Thursday and Friday nights, but it will remain largely dry during daylight hours.

Drier conditions will become more prevalent by the end of next week as high pressure becomes anchored close to or over Ireland.