Met Éireann pinpoint big weather change for Ireland before weekend

Met Éireann is predicting a big change in Ireland's weather fortunes as we head towards the weekend after a spell of dry and mild conditions.

While most counties have enjoyed dry weather of late, it appears conditions will turn more unsettled from Friday onwards. It will turn cooler too, according to Met Éireann's latest forecast.

They say Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, dry and very mild.

"There will be some patches of drizzle, with hill and coastal fog lingering too in the south and east. Elsewhere, the odd brighter spell is possible. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in moderate southerly winds, fresher near western coasts.

"Mostly cloudy and mild tonight [Wednesday] with a few patches of mist and drizzle, especially in southern areas. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in moderate southeast winds, strong off the west coast," forecasters added.

The prediction continued: "Rather breezy on Thursday with lots of cloud. It will be a dry day for many but there'll be some patches of rain or drizzle, especially in the south and southwest. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in moderate to fresh southeast winds, strong at times near Atlantic coasts.

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"Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with some patchy rain and drizzle in parts. Later in the night, heavier and more persistent rain may develop in parts of the west and southwest, accompanied by strengthening southeast winds. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees."

Further rain is expected on Friday while temperatures will also take a dip.

"Scattered outbreaks of rain are expected on Friday, persistent in parts of the west and south, but light and patchy elsewhere with a lot of dry weather. There will a lot of cloud, and some limited brighter spells. Maximum temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees with moderate or fresh southeast winds," Met Eireann said.

"During Friday night, outbreaks of rain will spread eastwards across the country, with some clear spells developing later in the west and southwest as it turns cooler there as winds drop off light. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 11 degrees.

"Saturday morning will start with some outbreaks of rain in the east for a time, gradually clearing into the Irish Sea. Generally dry elsewhere, but there'll be a few patches of light rain or drizzle about, especially in Atlantic coastal areas. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in light to moderate southerly winds.

"Outbreaks of rain are expected to move in from the Atlantic on Saturday night clearing into the Irish Sea by Sunday morning. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees.

"Early indications suggest that any overnight rain will quickly clear on Sunday to leave a mostly dry day with sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees.

"Dry and cold on Sunday night with some mist and fog patches," the forecast continues.