ALERT: Irish weather forecast from Met Éireann has one major prediction for Saturday

FRIDAY: Largely dry overall with some sunny spells developing after a generally cloudy start to the day.

However, a few showers look likely to affect the north and northeast, whilst cloudier conditions in the southwest could see some patchy rain at times.

Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in moderate to fresh and gusty easterly winds, strong near coasts.

On Friday night, outbreaks of rain are expected to spread across southern parts of the country overnight, advancing into eastern areas by morning. It is expected to hold mostly dry with patchy cloud and clear spells in the west and north.

Lowest temperatures will range 1 to 5 degrees in parts of the west and north, but it'll stay milder in the east and south with lows of 5 to 7 degrees.

Winds will be mostly moderate to fresh and gusty east to northeast , strong near coasts.

SATURDAY: Rather cloudy, especially across the east and south of the country with rain at times, perhaps heavy and persistent in the south later.

Western and northern parts will see more of a mix of cloud and bright spells with just patchy rain and drizzle in the afternoon.

Highest temperatures will range 7 to 11 degrees. Winds will be mostly moderate east to northeast in direction, fresh to strong near coasts.

Saturday night will be cloudy and wet across Munster and Leinster with outbreaks of rain, possibly heavy at times. It'll stay mainly dry across Connacht and Ulster.

Lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees with light to moderate northeast breezes, fresh and gusty near windward coasts.

SUNDAY: Current indications for Sunday suggest a mostly cloudy day overall with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle.

Northeasterly winds will be mostly moderate in strength but they'll be fresh to strong and gusty at first near Irish Sea Coasts.

Highest temperatures will range 7 to 10 degrees.

FURTHER OUTLOOK: A less windy and potentially drier and more settled start to the early days of next week seems probable. It does look fairly cloudy overall at present, however.