Deirdre O Meara 
Met Eireann has issued a bleak forecast for Dubliners as heavy rain and gusty winds will dominate the city in the coming days. The national weather service has warned of prolonged showers today, with some showers turning heavy or prolonged with the risk of isolated thunderstorms later in the day. The fresh and gusty winds could result in wave overtopping in the coastal areas during high tide, with temperatures of 12 or 13 degrees.
Tonight will see showers dying out later as temperatures drop to 4 or 5 degrees. Tomorrow will see more windy conditions with widespread showers turning heavy and prolonged, with temperatures of 11 or 12 degrees.
The national outlook for the coming days states that Friday night will see showers become mostly confined to Atlantic coastal counties, with long dry and clear spells developing elsewhere. On Saturday, sunny spells will be broken up by some scattered showers and there may be a spell of more persistent rain in the south.
Sunday is expected to be drier with some sunshine and isolated showers mainly affecting the north and northeast of the country. Temperatures on Sunday will reach 7 to 10 degrees in a moderate to fresh northerly breeze. Sunday night is expected to be dry and clear, allowing temperatures to fall below freezing.
Residents are being warned to be prepared for the inclement weather and keep up to date with the latest forecast.
