Major twist in Met Éireann's Ireland weather forecast for this week

There is a major twist on the way in Ireland's weather fortunes this week and it's not good news for sun-seekers.

Met Éireann has issued its latest forecast for the week ahead and despite a dry and sunny start on Monday, low pressure is on the horizon, bringing with it rain for most areas.

In its latest forecast for Monday, Met Éireann says: "A generally dry start with a little scattered cloud but some rather good spells of sunshine too. One or two isolated showers will drift down over the country this afternoon in a cool northerly breeze but most areas will stay dry. Highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees.

"A mix of scattered cloud and a few lingering isolated showers across the north [on Monday night] but generally dry and clear for southern and western counties. Rather cool overnight in a light northerly breeze with lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees."

They say there will be "sunny spells" on Tuesday morning but "cloud will build later with one or two isolated showers for during the afternoon and evening. Staying largely dry in the far south however. Light winds and highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees.

"Generally dry with a mix of clear spells and some scattered cloud [on Tuesday night]. A few light showers perhaps in the far north and northwest later in the night. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in a light northerly breeze."

Wednesday's forecasts reads: "Mainly dry to start with a mix of cloudy periods and sunny spells. Cloud will build from the west later in the morning however with a few showers spreading across the country by the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees with light winds.

"Becoming rather cloudy in the evening [Wednesday] with southerly winds freshening also. Rain, heavy at times, will move in across western counties later in the night before spreading east across the country overnight. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees.

"Wet and unsettled for Thursday with overcast conditions and rain throughout the country. The rain will be heavy at times mainly in the west and northwest in the afternoon with heavy falls moving east during the evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees with blustery southerly winds changing westerly later."

Beyond that for Friday, Met Éireann says: "Continuing wet and unsettled with widespread rain, heavy at times too and blustery southwesterly winds. Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees."