Dry and warm conditions to bring highs of 24C this weekend

Making a splash: Ronan Lorcan, Alex Connolly, Jacob Cruise and Kaiden Deady-O'Flynn making the most of the sunny weather and high temperatures as they cool off at Aghada Pier, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

Dry, warm weather is set to dominate the weekend, with temperatures of up to 24C forecast, according to Met Éireann.

Although some rain is expected early next week, current indications suggest that a high-pressure system will bring mostly settled and warm conditions.

Friday began dry with some sunny spells before becoming cloudier through the morning, with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle moving in from the west. 

Rain will become more persistent in the north and northwest, while the southeast is expected to remain dry and enjoy the best of the sunshine. Highs of between 16C and 22C are expected.

Friday night will be mostly cloudy, with scattered patches of light rain, drizzle and mist, mainly affecting the north and west. It will be drier in the southeast with some clear spells.

Weekend forecast 

Saturday will be another mostly cloudy day but will remain dry for most areas. 

Bright or sunny spells will develop in the south and southeast, where highs of between 19C and 23C are forecast.

Cloudy conditions will continue overall, with some clear spells in the southeast, while light rain, drizzle and mist will mainly affect parts of the north and west.

Sunday is expected to be another bright day for the south and southeast. It will be dry for most areas, with some patchy light rain, drizzle and mist affecting the north and west. 

Highs of between 16C and 24C are expected across the country.

Early next week 

Looking ahead to next week, Monday will be cloudy for most areas, with patches of light rain and drizzle. 

Rain will become confined to the north later in the day, with some bright or sunny spells developing, especially across the south and east. 

It will be slightly warmer overall, with highs of between 19C and 23C.

Tuesday will see patchy rain, mainly in the west and north, but it is likely to be brighter overall, with more sunny spells developing. Highs of between 18C and 24C are expected.