Cool and Unsettled: Rain to Dominate the Week Ahead

Ireland faces a mixed week of weather as unsettled conditions continue to hold sway, bringing frequent spells of rain and cooler-than-usual temperatures.

Tuesday began with heavy rain across Munster and south Leinster, pushing northeast through the morning. Conditions turned drier and patchier as the day progressed, with sunny breaks developing in many areas by afternoon. The southwest saw the first clearances, while Ulster and north Connacht stayed largely dry. Overnight, fresh outbreaks of rain are set to arrive from the west.

On Wednesday, further rain and showers are forecast. The morning will bring wet conditions in the west, spreading eastwards before clearer skies and isolated showers follow from the Atlantic later in the day. Temperatures will range between 13 and 17 degrees, mildest in the south, with winds freshening from the west.

Thursday is expected to be cooler, with daytime highs between 12 and 16 degrees. Showers, some heavy with the risk of thunderstorms in the Midlands, will move inland from the Atlantic, while the east and south hold on to brighter and mostly dry conditions.

By Friday, showers will once again spread from the west, turning prolonged and occasionally thundery in places. Temperatures will remain on the cool side, between 12 and 16 degrees, with moderate to fresh westerly winds.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains unsettled. Forecasters expect frequent rain or showers, with moderate to strong winds. Rainfall totals are likely to stay above average, while temperatures fall below normal for the time of year. Night-time values may dip into low single figures in sheltered inland areas later next week.

There is no strong signal for a prolonged dry spell, though the far south and southeast may see somewhat more settled conditions if high pressure edges in. The north and northwest, however, are set to stay unsettled.