Deirdre O Meara 
As we head into the weekend, Met Eireann has forecasted “muggy” and “humid” conditions to continue today, with some cloud and decent sunshine before a big change comes in next week. While it will be quite cloudy today, it is expected to remain dry for most, with the chance of just isolated drizzle patches. There may be a few sunny spells breaking through this afternoon, with highest temperatures of 16 or 17 degrees in a light northerly breeze. Tonight will be cloudy with isolated patches of light rain and drizzle, with temperatures dropping to between 8 or 8 degrees overnight.
For hay fever sufferers, there’s good news as the pollen count will stay low today and on Monday. However, the Solar UV Index will be generally moderate on Sunday and Monday, but high in any sunshine. According to Met Eireann, due to lingering high pressure, the coming week will see the occasional light rain and showers. Temperatures are set to stay in the mid to high teens.
Here’s Met Eireann’s national outlook for the coming days:
Monday
Dry tomorrow with long spells of sunshine developing early in the day. Highest temperatures of 16 or 17 degrees in moderate northerly winds.
Monday night
Staying dry and clear for most through the night, though it will be cloudier in Ulster with the chance of a light shower. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in a light northwesterly breeze.
Tuesday
A generally dry day with spells of hazy sunshine. Highest temperatures of 14 to 19 degrees, a little cooler along northwestern coasts in light to moderate northwesterly winds.
Tuesday night
Remaining dry with clear spells to start, but it will turn cloudier over the western half of the country towards morning with isolated drizzle patches developing near coasts. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees in a light westerly breeze.
Wednesday
A cloudier day overall with the best of any sunshine over the eastern half of the country. Mostly dry but there will be a few scattered patches of light rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 14 to 19 degrees, possibly reaching 20 degrees in the southeast. Light to moderate northwest winds.
In summary, while the weekend may be cloudy, there is the chance of sunny spells breaking through. Hay fever sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief with the low pollen count, but the UV index will be moderate to high in any sunshine. The coming week is expected to see occasional light rain and showers, with temperatures remaining in the mid to high teens. Overall, nothing too extreme to report, but always best to check the forecast before heading out!
