Sunny spells set to continue across the long weekend

Caption: The 'Dún an Óir II' departs Baltimore Harbour in west Cork bound for Cape Clear Island under flat calm conditions and sunny skies.

As much anticipated St Patrick's Day celebrations returned after a two-year hiatus, most of the country observed sunny spells on Thursday, kicking off the long weekend to a bright start. 

Today is another bank holiday, dedicated to healthcare workers and those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

People will be able to mark the day with decent weather, with Met Éireann predicting it will be a warm and dry day "with good sunny spells."

Mist and frost❄️ will continue to clear this morning, leaving a dry and sunny day🌤️ across most areas.

Becoming duller though across southern and eastern fringes with the odd spot of drizzle possible🌧️.

Highs🌡️ of 10 to 16 degrees in mostly moderate southeast winds🍃. pic.twitter.com/tNvylUeY9T

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 18, 2022

It will also be "noticeably milder" with temperatures reaching highs of 10C to 15C.

Friday night will be dry and clear with temperatures falling to lows of 3C to 6C.

Saturday, March 19

Saturday will follow Friday's trend with more dry and mild weather due.

Temperatures will again reach highs of 10C to 15C with more sunny spells expected.

The showers will return on Saturday evening, with rain moving up from the southeast and extending to much of the country overnight.

Some showers "will be heavy with a possibility of isolated thunderstorms," according to Met Éireann.

Sunday, March 20

Showers will continue on Sunday morning over the western half of the country.

However, any rain "will clear to the west and the day will be mainly dry with sunny spells".

It will be mild with the highest temperatures ranging between 10C and 14C.