Enjoy the sunshine over the weekend - that is the messages from Met Éireann as the week ahead is set to bring rain.
Saturday will be a dry day in most areas with some cloud but good sunny spells. It will feel warm with top temperatures generally of 16 to 19 degrees, possibly touching 20 degrees in the east. Breezes are forecast to be light southwest or variable in direction.
On Sunday a few showers are likely, mainly over the eastern half of the country. Top temperatures again of 16 to 20 degrees, warmest in the west and southwest, but light to moderate east-to-southeast breezes will keep conditions a little cooler along east and southeast coasts.
Monday will see a wet start to the week with widespread showery rain clearing northwards through the morning and afternoon, followed by sunny spells and scattered showers. There will be some heavy rainfall at times with thundery downpours possible. The highest temperatures will range from 16 to 20 degrees with moderate to fresh and gusty southerly winds developing.
Tuesday will see more outbreaks of rain, some heavy, extending across the country accompanied by fresh to strong and gusty southeasterly winds. The rain will clear northeastwards through the day as winds ease.
It is expected to be cooler than previous days with highest temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees generally. A further spell of showery rain will push up from the south later in the evening, tracking northwards overnight.
Current indications suggest that it will continue unsettled on Wednesday and onwards, with highest temperatures generally ranging from 14 to 18 degrees.
