Unsettled Atlantic weather to dominate

Ireland is set for a spell of unsettled Atlantic weather through the middle of September, with rain or showers on most days and fresh southwest to west winds.

While there will be some dry intervals, rainfall totals are expected to remain above average, particularly in the west.

Saturday will bring scattered outbreaks of rain and fresh winds across the western half of the country, with persistent rain along the Atlantic seaboard and the risk of localised spot flooding. Conditions will be much drier further east, although patchy drizzle or light rain will spread eastwards later in the day. Temperatures will range from 16 to 18 degrees, with fresh to strong southeasterly winds.

Sunday will begin blustery with scattered outbreaks of rain before clearing to a mix of sunshine and cloud by late morning. The improved conditions will give skywatchers an opportunity to view a partial lunar eclipse shortly after 8pm. Temperatures will reach between 14 and 19 degrees, warmest in east Leinster, with fresh westerly winds easing later.

Monday will start dry away from the Atlantic coast before turning wet and windy. Heavy showers and longer spells of rain are likely in the northwest, while the east and south will remain brighter with only isolated showers. A more organised band of rain will move into the southwest overnight. Daytime highs will range from 13 to 17 degrees.

Tuesday will see a wet start in east Munster and southern Leinster, while Ulster and north Leinster remain drier. Brighter conditions with scattered showers will develop widely during the afternoon. Temperatures will reach 13 to 18 degrees, mildest in the southwest.

Wednesday will bring another wet and blustery start as rain extends eastwards across the country. Clearer weather will follow from the west later in the day, though rain will be slow to clear north Leinster and east Ulster. Highs will again be between 13 and 18 degrees.

The rest of the week will continue unsettled with frequent rain or showers and moderate to fresh winds. Temperatures will generally stay a little below normal, though there are tentative signs of more settled conditions developing in the south and southeast by mid-month as high pressure builds, while the north and northwest are expected to remain unsettled.