Sunny spells for most counties offer respite from rain as Met Éireann forecast mixed conditions for Bank Holiday weekend

Cloud will build from the east as Wednesday progresses as highest temperatures will range from 12 to 16 degrees in light to moderate southeasterly winds, fresher for a time in the morning in the northwest.

Cloud will continue to build with outbreaks of rain and drizzle moving into eastern and northern parts early tonight, extending over much of the country though staying mostly dry in the southwest.

Later in the night, a clearance will develop in the north. Lowest temperatures ranging from three degrees in the southwest to nine degrees in the northeast.

It will be cloudy for most tomorrow with outbreaks of rain, most persistent over the southern half of the country with a chance of some thundery bursts leading to spot flooding in parts of south Leinster and Munster.

Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees where the rain lingers. Ranging 15 to 19 degrees elsewhere, warmest in Ulster, north Connacht and north Leinster with the best of the sunny spells and the driest conditions.

Thursday night will see outbreaks of rain and drizzle continue, mainly over the southern half of the country. Drier further north with clear spells.

Lowest temperatures of six to 10 degrees in mostly light to moderate variable winds, fresher in the northeast.

Friday will be mostly cloudy to start with outbreaks of rain or drizzle, gradually easing and becoming patchier.

It will be driest in the morning over the northern half of the country with sunny spells before patchy rain and drizzle extends northwards.

Highest temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees generally, continuing warmest in Ulster, in light to moderate westerly or variable breezes. Friday night will see outbreaks of rain will continue to push northwards with drier and clearer conditions extending from the south.

Most places will start off dry on Saturday with sunny spells as cloudier conditions with patchy rain and drizzle over Ulster slowly clear northwards.

However, another spell of rain will push into the south through the morning, gradually extending northwards over the country through the day.

Highest temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees, still warmest in Ulster, in moderate easterly or variable winds.

A good deal of uncertainty at this stage, however, it looks like Sunday will be a mostly cloudy day with showers or longer spells of rain at times. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees.

For bank holiday Monday, Met Éireann said: “Likely a day of sunny spells and scattered showers, easing through the day. Highest temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees.”