Deirdre O Meara 
As the country gears up for the summer season, temperatures are expected to reach highs of 18 degrees in the coming days. However, Met Eireann has warned of heavy showers and possible thunderstorms, so it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
In Dublin, today will be dry with spells of hazy sunshine developing later in the morning and afternoon. The highest temperatures will reach 14 or 15 degrees in moderate to fresh southeast winds. Tonight will remain dry in the capital with occasional clear spells, although patchy cloud will build from the south overnight. The lowest temperatures will be around 8 or 9 degrees in moderate to fresh east to southeast winds.
Tomorrow, conditions in Dublin will start off dry with bright spells, but it will quickly become cloudier through the morning with outbreaks of rain developing in the afternoon. It will be a cooler day with the highest temperatures of 11 or 12 degrees in fresh easterly winds, easing moderate southeasterly later.
Looking at the national outlook, Met Eireann predicts that on Friday, rain will slowly clear to the north through the morning, followed by sunny spells and scattered showers from the southwest. The showers will turn heavier in the afternoon with the potential for isolated thunderstorms. The highest temperatures will be between 14 to 18 degrees in light southerly or variable winds.
On Saturday, it will be a generally cloudy day with outbreaks of rain and drizzle possible in some eastern and southern counties. Elsewhere, there will be showers which may turn heavy at times. The highest temperatures will range from 13 to 17 degrees in light to moderate southerly winds.
Sunday will start with sunny spells and scattered light showers. However, it will turn cloudier through the day with rain spreading from the west later in the afternoon and evening. The highest temperatures will be between 13 to 18 degrees, warmest in the east, in moderate southwesterly winds.
As always, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Whether you’re heading to the beach or planning a BBQ with friends, make sure to pack a raincoat just in case. Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
