Ireland's sunny spell ending? Forecasters warn of 'tricky' weather U-turn this weekend

Ireland's fine, sunny weather looks set to break this weekend, with forecasters warning of heavy showers, possible thunderstorms and a big shift from the sunshine we've been enjoying.

After a week of blue skies and warm temperatures, Met Éireann says the weekend will bring more unsettled conditions, particularly from Sunday onwards.

Thursday will remain largely dry with a mix of sun and patchy cloud. Met Éireann says, "Dry today with spells of sunshine with just the slight chance of an isolated light shower in the south. Highest temperatures will range from a cool 12 degrees in the east up to 19 degrees in the west. Light to moderate easterly breezes."

Friday looks even warmer, with the national forecaster stating: "Largely dry with long spells of sunshine… Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees generally, a little cooler near some coasts in a light southerly or variable breeze."

Saturday will still bring some sunshine, but there will be a higher chance of showers in Atlantic counties. "A mostly dry day with spells of sunshine though with some cloud at times and a greater chance of some showers," says Met Éireann, with top temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees.

But from Sunday, the weather begins to turn. "There is some uncertainty in the details but indications are that it will be mostly dry and sunny at first before showers or showery outbreaks of rain develop through the day with some heavy falls possible," Met Éireann notes.

Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly also flagged potential thunderstorm risks, saying: "Sunday though, and Monday, look tricky now with a risk of some heavy showers – but the details are really uncertain.

"There could be some thunderstorms, but… this far out it's really uncertain. It could be very localised, and it might just stay south, so keep an eye on updates over the next couple of days."

While Sunday and Monday may bring a spell of rain, conditions are expected to improve again by midweek. Met Éireann adds, "current indications suggest drier and more settled conditions as high pressure returns."

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