Ireland is in for a welcome change this weekend, with much of the country expected to enjoy a good deal of dry weather after a wet and blustery start to Friday.

A band of rain is moving across the country today, bringing cloudy skies and some heavy bursts, but it is expected to clear later in the afternoon.

Temperatures will reach around 15 to 18 degrees, with a fresh south-westerly breeze making it feel cooler in exposed areas.

Bouncy Castle 1
Pic: Getty Images

Saturday: Brighter spells, but a few showers

There is better news for anyone hoping to get outdoors on Saturday, with plenty of dry weather expected and some bright or sunny spells breaking through.

It will still be breezy, particularly in the north and north-west, where a few scattered showers are likely. Temperatures are forecast to reach 14 to 19 degrees, with winds gradually easing in southern areas as the day goes on.

Kids
Pic: Getty Images

Sunday: Mostly dry for many

Sunday is also shaping up to be largely dry, with sunny spells in many areas and just a few isolated showers possible in parts of Ulster.

Cloud will build across the south-west and west later in the day, bringing the chance of patchy rain or drizzle towards the evening. Temperatures will again reach around 14 to 19 degrees, with lighter winds for many.

A warmer spell on the way?

There could be further good news for those hoping to hang on to a little more summer, with Met Éireann forecasting a lot of dry weather early next week as high pressure builds.

Conditions are expected to become warmer and more humid, with temperatures potentially reaching 18 to 24 degrees on Monday.

Rain
Pic: Getty Images

So while Friday may call for the raincoat, the weekend looks set to offer plenty of chances to get out and about, with the prospect of a warmer spell waiting just around the corner.

It may be September but it seems the summer sunshine is not leaving us just yet.

Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather has his forecast for the weekend ahead.