Fine weather promised for the weekend

It's a dry start so far to Thursday with sunny spells promised. Cloud will steadily build through the morning, becoming mostly cloudy by afternoon. Generally dry today, but there will be some light, patchy rain or drizzle during the late afternoon and evening. Mild, with highs of 19 to 22 degrees. Winds will be moderate southerly, fresh on coasts.

The weather forecast from Met Éireann says tonight will be mild, and mainly dry to start with cloud increasing from the west. Moderate southerly winds, fresh on western coasts with lowest temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees. Rain will develop in Donegal by morning.

The pollen forecast for today is moderate; while the solar UV index will be high in any sunshine.

Tomorrow (Friday) Will bring patchy rain spreading from the west to all areas on Friday morning, with some heavy bursts. The rain will clear eastwards through the late afternoon with good sunshine following. Temperatures reaching 18 to 20 degrees, with moderate southerly winds fresh on coasts through the morning, veering westerly by afternoon.

The national outlook for the week is more positive - warm and dry with good spells of sunshine over the weekend. Showers for the early days of next week.

Friday night should be dry and largely clear, with mist and fog patches developing in many areas. Cooler than recent nights, with lows of 8 to 11 degrees in light winds.

Saturday is promised mainly dry with long sunny spells. The slight chance of a shower or two in the northwest. Highs of 19 to 22 degrees in light winds.

It should be dry and clear on Saturday night, with minimum temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees. Mist and fog patches developing as winds remain light.

Sunday again is forecast to be dry with good spells of sunshine. A warm day with highs of 20 to 24 degrees, perhaps a degree or two lower along the east coast in a light easterly breeze.

Looking ahead to Monday: Cloud increasing from the southeast with showers, mainly through Leinster and Munster. Highs of 19 to 22 degrees in a light easterly breeze.