Ireland weather: Cold and wet start to the weekend as temperatures to drop below freezing tonight

More persistent rain is expected for the southeast for a short period this morning, while the odd heavy downpour is possible for the west and north this afternoon, bringing with it a chance of hail.

Highest temperatures will reach 9 to 12 degrees during the day, dropping as low as -2 to 3 degrees overnight.

A touch of frost, mist and fog is likely tonight before another cold start on Sunday when showers may turn heavy and prolonged in the west and southwest.

Met Éireann forecasts highs from 10 to 13 degrees during the day and lows of 4 to 7 degrees overnight.

The coming days look likely to turn “unsettled with low pressure dominating, bringing showers and longer spells of rain,” the forecaster said.

Monday will again see outbreaks of rain throughout the day and night with temperatures remaining mild during the day before dropping to lows of 4 to 7 degrees overnight.

A cloudy Tuesday will follow along with longer spells of rain and showers, however drier and sunny weather may break through in the south and west.

Highs of 11 to 14 degrees are expected before overnight temperatures drop to 4 to 8 degrees and further rain arrives to the north/

Wednesday is expected to be a day of sunshine and scattered showers while current indications show the same for Thursday.