ALERT: Irish weather forecast for coming week predicts 'band of persistent heavy rain'

Monday will bring further outbreaks of rain or showers, heaviest over the eastern half of the country with a chance of thunderstorms.

Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees with light to moderate northerly breezes developing, possibly fresh near some coasts.

There'll be further showers in the east on Monday night.

It will be more unsettled this week but the exact track of the low system will determine how much rain we see. 

Early on Tuesday morning a band of persistent or heavy rain will move in from the east and will extend westwards.

Localised flooding is possible, especially in Leinster.

It will be noticeably cooler than previous days with highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees and moderate northwest winds.

On Tuesday night there will be further spells of rain or showers.

Wednesday and Thursday will continue quite cool with further showers, some heavy.

Temperatures will range from about 11 to 15 degrees with mostly light to moderate breezes.