Today

Rain in Connacht and Munster will become widespread, persistent and at times heavy this morning.

The rain will be accompanied by strong and gusty south to southeast winds, reaching gale force at the coasts.

Highest temperatures this afternoon will reach between 8 and 12 degrees, the higher temperatures over Munster.

The rain will break up in to showers from the west during the afternoon and will clear northeastwards during the evening. With the clearance of the rain the winds will veer southwest to west, remaining strong and gusty for a time.

Tonight

Showers will continue overnight but will become well scattered from all but coastal areas of the west and south.

There'll be clear spells elsewhere and temperatures will fall below freezing once again in the east and north, staying just above freezing in the west and south.

Lowest temperatures between minus 1 and plus 2 degrees. Winds will gradually ease and become southerly overnight.