Today

Today will start mainly dry in central and eastern areas.

However, wet and windy weather in Atlantic coastal counties will become widespread by early afternoon.

Southerly winds will increase strong with gales on exposed Atlantic coasts.

The rain will begin to clear eastwards later in the day and the strong south winds will start to moderate also, though southwest gales will continue to affect the north and northwest coast until after dark.

Highest temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees.

Tonight

Generally dry tonight with long clear spells and turning cool with lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees.

West to southwest winds will ease further overnight.

Weather warning

Met Éireann has issued yellow alert wind warnings for several areas.

Its warning of high winds in Donegal, Clare, Kerry, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

The forecaster says winds could reach up to 65km/h - reaching gusts of up to 100km/h an hour at times.