Windy today with heavy showers forecast

Weather update from Met Éireann

Generally cool and unsettled for the rest of the week - driest and calmest on Saturday.

Windy today with widespread heavy showers, merging to longer spells of rain in places, with the chance of hail and lightning. Westerly winds will increase strong to near gale force and gusty, with some severe gusts, especially along Atlantic coasts. Some sunny spells too though; brightest in the southeast. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees, coolest across Atlantic counties.

A status yellow wind warning will come into effect for four counties at lunchtime. It has been issued for Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal and Mayo and remain in place until 9pm this evening.

Outbreaks of rain will become mainly confined to northern areas tonight, with drier and clearer weather developing elsewhere. Feeling very cold though with moderate to fresh westerly winds making for an added wind chill factor. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees.

Thursday will bring a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, with a chance of hail or sleet on high ground. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in brisk west to northwest winds, again making for an added wind chill factor.

Cold and clear on Thursday night, apart from some wintry showers along north and west coasts. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees with a touch of frost forming in just light northwesterly breezes.

A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers are forecast for Friday, with the chance of some wintry showers, mainly on hills and mountains. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in moderate northerly winds.

Friday night should be largely dry and clear, but cold with lowest temperatures of -2 to +1 degrees. A touch of frost is possible, in a light northwesterly breeze.

Dry and sunny across much of the country on Saturday with just light variable breezes. Highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees.

Wet and windy for much of the day Sunday with possible localised flooding. Southeasterly winds will be fresh to strong with highs of 12 to 14 degrees.