IRELAND: Met Eireann has issued a washout verdict as part of Ireland's meteorological U-turn forecast.

      

Met Eireann has given its verdict on the final days of this month, saying it will be a washout. The national forecaster says that an area of low pressure nearby is responsible for “repeated bands of rain and showers” that will fall across Ireland throughout next week.

It added that temperatures could also drop “slightly below average” due to “a predominantly northwesterly airflow will lead to a mostly polar maritime airmass affecting the country”.

From the moderate and stable weather the nation has been experiencing for the majority of this month, it represents a huge meteorological U-turn.

Today is expected to begin dry before "persistent rain" and "blustery" winds move over the nation.

The weather service gave the following prediction for Sunday: "Quite gloomy with scattered showers, however there will be periods of hazy sunshine this morning and afternoon, especially in the south and east.

"This evening, more steady rain will move in from the northwest and spread slowly over the nation. From this afternoon on, it will be quite windy with mostly fresh to moderate westerly winds that will turn strong in certain areas of Connacht and Ulster. 14 to 16 degrees Celsius at the highest.

"Overnight, the south will see a break in the steady rain, while isolated showers will continue in Leinster and Ulster. It will continue to be windy with mostly fresh to moderate northwesterly winds that will be forceful in several coastal regions. Mostly cloudy, but by morning, there will be some clearing. The temperature will linger above 9C to 13C, higher than prior evenings.

"Remaining cold and unsettled through the week with regular spells of rain or showers across the country," it said, predicting the coming week.

Met Eireann provided additional information, stating that Monday would be "mostly dry with a mix of cloud and clear spells." There are only one or two isolated showers. Winds from the west to the northwest are becoming mostly light, but are still rather blustery close to the coast. 7 to 10 °C are the lowest temperatures.

"Tuesday was mostly grey and damp. The day will begin mostly dry, but rain will move over the nation in the morning and afternoon before continuing into the evening. Another chilly day, with highs only reaching 11 to 16 degrees Celsius. Westerly winds are generally mild, but stay gusty around the Atlantic shores.

Tuesday night will see a break in the steady rain, but much of the country will continue to see gloomy conditions with isolated showers. Lowest temperatures range from 6 to 10 degrees Celsius with mostly gentle northwest breezes.

Wednesday will see a lot of sunlight and a few scattered showers, though these will progressively become fewer and farther between. Maximum temperatures between 12 and 14 °C with light northwesterly winds.

In general, Wednesday night was dry and clear. Minimum temperatures between 4 to 8 degrees Celsius with mild breezes from the west to northwest.

"Thursday will be primarily dry with periods of cloud and sunshine. Just a few sporadic showers, mostly in the northeast of the nation. highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees Celsius with mild winds out of the west that gradually turn south.

While “considerable uncertainty” remains for next weekend, the national forecaster says early indications are that Friday and the weekend could be “very unsettled with a good deal of wet weather”.