Wet spell to persist with only brief dry breaks

Ireland faces another two weeks of unsettled weather, with rainfall set to stay well above average as Atlantic systems continue to dominate.

Heavy rain will clear Ulster and north Leinster early this afternoon, leaving scattered showers and sunny intervals spreading across the country. Conditions are expected to brighten later in the west, with clear spells overnight, though showers will continue to push in along Atlantic coasts. Daytime temperatures will range from 14 to 18 degrees, coolest in the north, with moderate westerly winds easing later.

Thursday will begin largely dry but showers, some heavy in the west, will extend countrywide by afternoon. The southeast and south will see the longest dry spells. Temperatures will remain between 14 and 18 degrees, with moderate to fresh westerly breezes.

Friday is forecast to be mostly cloudy with isolated showers and patches of drizzle along the south coast. Elsewhere conditions will be mainly dry despite the cloud cover. Temperatures will range from 15 to 18 degrees in light to moderate southwesterly winds.

Rain will arrive from the southwest on Saturday and spread across the country, bringing localised downpours. The day will begin dry in the east and south. Temperatures will remain in the mid to high teens, with southeasterly winds.

Sunday will bring further scattered outbreaks of rain with fresh southeasterly winds, which are expected to ease later. Temperatures will range from 14 to 19 degrees.

Looking into next week, the unsettled theme will continue. Rain and showers will be frequent, with moderate to fresh westerly winds. Rainfall totals are likely to stay well above average while temperatures remain slightly below normal. There is some potential for more settled conditions to develop in the south and east by mid-September as high pressure builds from the continent.