The high temperatures and clear skies of recent weeks are now taking on the distinct feel of distant memory as Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall across the country today.

The warning, which is in place until midnight tonight, is expected to see "heavy falls of rain today with totals of 20 to 40 mm possible," according to the forecaster.

The outlook for the rest of the week looks mixed, as Wednesday will see a bright, fresh day with sunny spells and isolated showers. Top temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees in a moderate to fresh northwesterly wind.

Thursday will turn cloudy and drizzly as a warm front moves in from the Atlantic.

But it will stay warm and humid, with highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees.

Friday will bring temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees, many areas will be dry - but patchy drizzle and fog will occur and later in the day.

Friday night will be cooler as a cold front crosses the country, bringing spells of rain.

Today

There will be further spells of heavy rain today, especially in parts of the north, south and east. The rain will clear away during the afternoon, with heavy showers and sunny spells to follow. Highs of 16 to 20 degrees in moderate to fresh southeast winds which will veer southwest later.

Tonight

A mix of scattered heavy showers and dry spells tonight. A mild night with lows of 12 to 14 degrees in moderate southwest winds.