A mixed and unsettled spell of weather is expected over the coming days, with periods of heavy rain and scattered thundery showers affecting much of the country.

The southwest will see the first of the rain today, spreading northeast before clearing later this evening. Thursday and Sunday bring the highest risk of thunderstorms, particularly in Ulster and the North Midlands.

The best of the drier and brighter conditions will favour western areas on Friday and possibly again early next week as high pressure builds from the south. Temperatures will generally range from the mid-teens to low twenties, warmest in the east and south, with mostly light to moderate winds.

Today (Wednesday)
A dry start in the north and east, but scattered outbreaks of heavy rain in the southwest will gradually extend northeastwards. Rain will become widespread across South Connacht, Munster, and South Leinster, with a slow clearance moving in from the west later this evening. Bright spells with hazy sunshine will develop at times in the east and north. Another band of rain will push into the southwest tonight.
Temperatures: 15 to 22°C, warmest in Ulster and North Leinster.
Winds: Light southeasterly.

Thursday
A band of showery rain will move eastwards across the country. Thunderstorms are likely in the North Midlands and across Ulster by late afternoon and evening. Rainfall totals will be highest in Atlantic coastal counties and lowest along the Irish Sea coast.
Temperatures: 17 to 22°C, warmest in the east and Midlands.
Winds: Moderate southerly, veering southwesterly later.

Friday
The best of the weather will be in the western half of the country, with scattered heavy showers mainly affecting East Ulster, Leinster, and East Munster.
Temperatures: 16 to 20°C.
Winds: Light to moderate west-southwesterly.

Saturday
Scattered heavy showers will continue in eastern counties and gradually spread inland. The west and southwest will stay largely dry.
Temperatures: 16 to 20°C, coolest in North Ulster.
Winds: Light and variable.

Sunday
Heavy, thundery showers across Ulster early in the day, merging to give longer spells of rain. Elsewhere, scattered heavy showers will develop through the day, with sunny spells in between. Some showers may merge into more prolonged rainfall.
Temperatures: 14 to 19°C, coolest in the northern half of the country.
Winds: Light north to northwesterly.

Next Week
The week will begin unsettled, with showers or longer spells of rain affecting many areas. The best of any dry weather will be in the south and west. Conditions are expected to improve as the week progresses, especially across southern and eastern counties, as high pressure builds northwards.
Temperatures: Generally in the high teens to low 20s, possibly rising slightly later in the week.
Winds: Mostly light to moderate westerly.

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