TODAY

There will be a windy start to the day today.

Patchy rain will become confined to the southwest of the country this morning with scattered showers elsewhere.

Cloud will build from the south during the afternoon and outbreaks of rain affecting the southwest will edge northwards, moving in across most of Munster and south Leinster by evening.

Maximum temperatures of 7C to 10C in fresh to strong westerly winds.

TONIGHT

Rain will extend nationwide on Friday night with heavy bursts expected, especially across the southwest and west with the risk of some spot flooding here.

The rain will turn to sleet or snow for a time in parts of north Ulster, with temporary accumulations possible.

Strong southwesterly winds developing across the southern half of the country but winds will be light and variable further north.

A large contrast in temperatures overnight with lows of 0 to 2 degrees in northern counties but 9C or 10C in the south.