Warm spell to continue as temperatures reach 22C before unsettled weather arrives
Temperatures are set to climb as high as 22C today, with the mild conditions expected to continue through the week despite a mixture of rain, showers and sunshine.
After a warm start to the week, Tuesday will bring the highest temperatures in the east and south, while cooler conditions are expected across western and northwestern areas.
The morning will begin largely cloudy, with mist, fog and drizzle affecting parts of the south. Rain and drizzle will develop in the northwest before gradually spreading into Ulster, Connacht and west Munster during the afternoon and evening. Elsewhere, scattered showers are expected.
Temperatures will generally range between 17C and 22C, although western and northwestern counties will be cooler, with highs of 13C to 16C.
During Tuesday night, the rain will gradually track eastwards, becoming heaviest and most persistent across northern areas before reaching the east. Clear spells and isolated showers will follow from the northwest, with temperatures falling to between 7C and 11C.
The southeast will remain cloudier, with some patchy rain and milder overnight temperatures of 13C to 15C.
Wednesday is expected to bring a quieter spell of weather. Mist and fog will clear during the morning, along with any remaining cloud and rain in the southeast. Scattered showers will develop in places, but most areas will remain dry with sunny spells and light winds.
Afternoon temperatures will range from 14C to 19C.
Wednesday night will initially remain dry with clear spells, before cloud increases from the west. Light rain and drizzle will develop across western and northwestern areas, with overnight lows of 7C to 11C.
A breezier spell will arrive on Thursday as fresh and gusty southerly winds develop. Most areas will start dry with occasional sunshine, although patchy rain and drizzle will affect the west and northwest, with some drizzle also possible along the south coast.
Rain will gradually spread eastwards across parts of Ulster, Connacht and Munster during the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will reach between 15C and 19C.
Thursday night will be mild and humid, with winds easing and widespread cloud accompanied by areas of light rain or drizzle. Temperatures will remain relatively high, ranging from 11C to 14C.
Friday will begin cloudy, with patchy rain and drizzle. The unsettled conditions will gradually clear eastwards during the afternoon and evening, allowing brighter spells to develop along with showers, particularly across western and northern areas.
Temperatures will reach between 13C and 16C.
Friday night will be mainly dry, with long clear spells in most areas. A few showers will continue across the north and west, while overnight temperatures fall to between 7C and 11C.
The weekend is expected to begin on a bright but breezy note. Saturday will bring sunny spells and scattered blustery showers before rain arrives in the west later in the day.
The rain will spread eastwards across the country during Saturday night, followed by a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers on Sunday.
Despite the unsettled conditions, daytime temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild over the weekend, reaching the mid to high teens.
