Weekend Weather: Rain may dampen spirits as Cork Jazz Festival crowds hit the city

Cork’s Jazz Festival weekend will bring a mix of sunshine, scattered showers, and chilly nights, according to Met Éireann

Hyde Park Jazz band entertainng the crowds, in previous years, playing during the Cork Jazz Festival stroll through Oliver Plunkett street. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

With Cork gearing up for its world-famous Jazz Festival this weekend — and the football county finals just around the corner — the big question on everyone’s mind is: “Will the weather play ball?” 

Whether you’re soaking up the sounds around the city or heading to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the matches, the forecast suggests a mixed weekend ahead, with plenty of rain and showers in store.

According to Met Éireann, Thursday will start off wet across Munster, with rain in many areas.

This rain will gradually clear southeastwards through the morning, and sunshine with scattered showers will follow from the west.

However, showers will become heavier and more widespread overnight.

On Friday, showers are set to continue but are expected to gradually clear southwards in the afternoon, bringing some sunny intervals.

Highest temperatures of 10°C to 12°C are forecast, while Friday night will be mainly dry with clear spells.

That’s good news for Jazz Festival-goers, as Saturday is forecast to start mainly dry with sunny spells — perfect for strolling between gigs.

But the calm may be short-lived, as heavy showers and possible hail are forecast to move down from the north later in the day.

For night owls, Saturday night will be cold but mainly dry with clear spells. Temperatures could drop as low as 1°C, so wrap up well.

On Sunday, conditions will start off mainly dry, but rain will develop during the morning and spread through the afternoon and evening.

Highest temperatures of 10°C to 13°C are expected, with moderate westerly winds.

Raincoats and umbrellas will be needed for anyone heading into town on Sunday night, as further outbreaks of rain are likely.

Bank Holiday Monday will be milder, with highs of 12°C to 14°C.

Looking ahead, unsettled weather will continue through next week, with further spells of rain and showers.