Met Éireann warns of weekend washout with heavy rain and thunder expected nationwide

While the country has seen fairly dry weather over the last week, the national forecaster said that "unsettled conditions" are set for the weekend. Picture: Larry Cummins

It’s set to be a wet and stormy weekend, as Met Éireann warns of heavy rain, thundery downpours, and spot flooding across the country.

While Ireland has seen mostly dry conditions over the past week, the national forecaster said “unsettled" weather is expected this weekend.

Thursday began dry and will remain largely dry with bright or sunny spells, though patches of mist and drizzle may develop. Similar conditions will continue into the evening, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 11°C.

Friday will stay mainly dry and cloudy, with highs of 12°C to 16°C. However, persistent rain is forecast to move into the southwest and west later that night.

Heavy rain, thundery bursts, and localised flooding are expected on Saturday, particularly in the south and west. It should remain mostly dry in parts of the east and northwest until the afternoon or evening.

By Saturday evening, conditions will become wet and blustery, with further heavy, thundery showers and spot flooding.

Sunday will start wet, with heavy rain in some areas, before brighter weather moves in from the west and southwest. Met Éireann said sunshine should extend eastward through the morning as rain clears in the afternoon.

"Showers will be following though from the west through the morning and afternoon, becoming fairly widespread and some will be heavy, with a slight chance of thunder," the forecaster said. 

Sunday night will bring clearer spells mixed with heavy showers and isolated thunder, along with mist and fog patches in places.

Looking into next week, similar unsettled weather is expected on Monday, while Tuesday may bring a mix of rain and sunshine.

For the remainder of the week, low pressure will dominate, bringing further rain but also some brighter, drier interludes with sunshine.

"It'll be breezy at times, and it looks like it may become a little cooler too," Met Éireann said.