Ireland bank holiday weekend weather takes terrible turn as Met Eireann forecast unexpected twist

Walkers brave the elements during bad weather (file photo)

The May bank holiday weekend is almost upon us, with many people’s plans dependent on the weather forecast.

Earlier this week, there were initial predictions of abundant sunshine and temperatures reaching 20C – but these have since taken a terrible turn.

Weather models have now shifted and now suggest a less favourable outlook.

On Monday, Met Eireann said rain was likely to clear by Friday with bright sunshine set to reign for the bank holiday weekend, however in a disappointing update this evening, it stated that the upcoming weather will be “unsettled with rain or showers at times”.

Tomorrow, warm sunshine is expected in the northern half of the country with temperatures of 14C to 18C, however the southern half will see outbreaks of rain, with heavy and thundery falls possible, and cooler temperatures of 9C to 12C, according to the national forecaster.

Friday will be mainly dry and bright in Ulster and parts of Munster during the morning, but as the day progresses rain and drizzle will persist in central, eastern and western regions, extending into Ulster by evening. At the same time, drier and brighter weather is expected to develop in parts of Leinster and Connacht, with Munster holding dry. Temperatures of 12C to 17C are forecast, warmest in the north and northwest.

The brightest and driest weather is expected in the south and southwest on Saturday, with temperatures of 12C to 17C.

Sunday will see a mix of sunny spells and showers, with temperatures ranging between 13C to 17C, warmest in the southwest.

A similar day of sunny spells and scattered showers is likely on Bank Holiday Monday, with temperatures of 15C to 18C.

Giving a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect, Met Eireann said: “Thursday will bring outbreaks of rain over the southern half of the country with some heavy and thundery falls possible. Highest temperatures in these areas will range a cool 9C to 12C . After a damp start across the northern half of the country, cloud will break in places to allow for spells of warm sunshine to develop. Highest temperatures of 14C to 18C in these parts. A moderate northerly breeze will develop during the course of the day. Outbreaks of rain and drizzle will continue on Thursday night, mainly over the southern half of the country. Drier further north with clear spells. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 10C in mostly light to moderate variable winds, fresher in the northeast.

“Mostly cloudy to start Friday with outbreaks of rain and drizzle in central, eastern and western areas. However, it will hold mainly dry and bright in Ulster and parts of Munster during the morning with sunny spells. During the afternoon rain and drizzle will continue in central, eastern and western areas but by evening time, light rain and drizzle will extend into Ulster with drier and brighter weather developing in parts of Leinster and Connacht, while continuing to holding dry in Munster. Highs between 12C and 17C , warmest in the north and northwest where the driest and brightest conditions will be for much of the day. Winds will be light to moderate in strength and southwest to west in direction. Further outbreaks of rain and drizzle overnight Friday most frequent in the northeast and east, but saying mostly dry in the southwest . Lowest temperatures of 3C to 5C in the southwest under clear spells but milder elsewhere with temperatures not falling below 6C to 10C . Winds mostly light to moderate variable in direction, but fresher in the northeast.

“Showers or longer spells of rain on Saturday most frequent in the east and northeast. The brightest and driest weather along with the longer spells of sunshine will be in the south and southwest. Highest temperatures on Saturday generally 12C to 16C or 17C, warmest in the southwest. Winds light to moderate and southwest to west in direction.

“A mix of sunny spells and showers on Sunday. Highest temperatures generally ranging between 13C and 17C and it will be warmest in the southwest. Winds will be light or moderate and northwest in direction.

“Bank Holiday Monday will likely be a day of sunny spells and scattered showers, easing through the day. Highest temperatures of 15C to 18C.”

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