Met Eireann pinpoint day Ireland weather will change with one brutal prediction

Ireland is going to endure a torrid end to the week on the weather front, according to the latest Met Éireann forecast.

Many areas have enjoyed long sunny spells early this week but the picture will take a turn with Met Éireann predicting a big change to our weather on Thursday morning.

In its outlook for the coming days, Met Éireann says: "Unsettled to end the week and over the weekend with rain and showers, heavy at times."

There will be some sunny spells between now and then as Met Éireann's forecast for Tuesday says it "will be dry for most with just isolated showers drifting southeastwards across the country. A bright start with widespread spells of sunshine but patchy cloud will spread from the northwest through the day. Highest temperatures of 12 degrees in the north to 17 degrees in the south in light to moderate northwest winds.

"Generally dry tonight [Tuesday] with clear spells, though cloud will thicken over the northern half of the country overnight. A few light showers are possible, especially in Ulster. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees in light variable winds."

The rest of the forecast for the week says: "Wednesday will be dry with a mix of sunny spells and patchy cloud to start. Cloud will build from the west later in the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 18 degrees, warmest in the south, in light westerly winds, increasing moderate at times later.

"Becoming wet and overcast on Wednesday night as rain spreads eastwards across the country, turning heavy at times. Turning blustery too as southerly winds freshen with the rain. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees.

"A wet day [Thursday] with widespread rain, turning heavy at times in the west and southwest. The rain will gradually clear northeastwards through the afternoon and evening with scattered showers and a few sunny spells following from the west. Blustery at first with fresh southerly winds, veering westerly and easing moderate once the rain clears. Highest temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees.

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"A mix of clear spells and scattered showers, most persistent in Atlantic coastal counties [on Thursday night]. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in light southwest winds."

They go on to predict "another wet day" on Friday "as showers become widespread and heavy early, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms and hail. Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in light to moderate southwesterly winds, fresh at times in the south and southwest."

The weekend is also looking grim. Forecasters say Saturday will be "cloudy with outbreaks of rain, becoming heavy in some areas. Breezy in moderate to fresh northwesterly winds with highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees.

"Remaining unsettled for Sunday and the early next days with low pressure over the country, bringing frequent rain and showers."