Met Éireann forecasts mixed weekend weather with heavy rain and highs of 19C

The national forecaster said unsettled weather, with rain or showers, will arrive each day, along with breezy conditions at times. Picture: Larry Cummins

Sunny spells, showers and some heavy rain will dominate this weekend, as Met Éireann says temperatures will reach as high as 19C.

The national forecaster said unsettled weather, with rain or showers, will arrive each day, along with breezy conditions at times.

Thursday started "blustery", with widespread showers before merging into longer spells of rain at times. The rain will become less frequent later this afternoon and evening as sunny spells develop.

Highs of 12C to 17C are expected, with some fresh and gusty winds also forecast.

Clear spells will then dominate the night, with some scattered showers and lows of 5C to 9C.

Friday will see a mix of sunny spells and well-scattered showers in the morning. Cloud and outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards through the afternoon and evening, with some strong winds along the southern and western coasts. Daytime highs will sit between 12C and 16C.

It will be cloudy and wet on Friday night, with widespread outbreaks of rain, which will be heavy in southern counties. Temperatures will sit between 8C and 11C.

Saturday will see a cloudy and wet start before conditions clear to bring sunny spells and showers. Drier conditions will give way to further rain in western areas in the evening, and highs of 13C to 18C are forecast.

More rain will arrive on Saturday night, mainly affecting Atlantic and southern counties. It will be mostly dry in the Midlands and east, with some clear spells. Temperatures will not fall below 10C.

Sunday will see early sunny spells in the east before giving way to cloudier and wetter conditions, with rain becoming heavy at times. Drier and brighter conditions will develop in the west and southwest later. Highs of 14C to 18C or 19C are expected.

Looking into next week, Monday will bring sunny spells and some heavy showers. Highs of 13C to 16C are also forecast.