Damp start to Fleadh but weather to improve midweek
It's what everyone is talking about - what will the weather be like for the Fleadh? Well, the Westmeath Examiner is happy to report that there's some good news on the horizon.
Speaking to meteorologist and climate consultant, Cathal Nolan, he predicts that following a damp start to the week, the sunshine and warmer temperatures will return from midweek onwards, bringing temperatures of 21 - 22 degrees Celsius by the following weekend.
"The long-term picture shows that it will improve, now, it could take until the middle of next week for that improvement to come, but we will see temperatures start to increase, and more in the way of sunshine and less in the way of precipitation," Mr Nolan begins.
"Sunday, the start of the Fleadh, looks to be not a particularly bad day. There's a bit of a break in between systems, and it looks to be predominately dry. There will be the odd shower about, but I think it will be quite good.
"As we go into Monday, rain will spread eastwards. It will start off dry initially, but there's a chance for outbreaks of rain in the afternoon and evening.
"There is a continuing risk of rain on Tuesday because of a lingering front trailing across the country at that point in time. It's not expected to be particularly heavy, but it will keep conditions a bit overcast and inclement at times."
High pressure building
Nolan says we will start to see an improvement in the weather on Wednesday and Thursday next week.
"That rain-bearing system will push away and we'll start to see high pressure building in from the south-west.
"At the moment that looks to bring predominantly dry weather from midweek onwards and for the rest of the weekend and the remainder of the fleadh.
"We will certainly notice an increase in the temperatures, they'll be getting back up towards near normal values, 21 - 22 degrees Celsius. If it's a little more sunny, it could even reach 23 degrees.
"So for next weekend, we can expect pleasant temperatures, lighter winds, reduced rainfall and certainly more in the way of sunshine. It's looking particularly nice as we get to the weekend."