Weather models show the potential for a major storm striking Ireland on Thursday.
Met Eireann has forecast an “unsettled” end to March, with torrential downpours, strong winds and thunderstorms at times.
It says low pressure in the Atlantic will be the “driving force” behind Ireland’s weather in the coming days.
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“This will maintain a mainly southwesterly airflow over Ireland, steering Atlantic frontal systems across the country. As a result of the frequent rain and showers, the week will be wetter than average nationwide, but it will also be milder than average with temperatures trending a degree or two above the normal,” it said.
The national forecaster has refused to rule out weather warnings, saying: “There is some potential for wind and rain warnings during the period.”
Today is set to be a mixed bag, starting wet before sunny spells in the afternoon and further rain moving in from the west later on.
Met Eireann said: “Cloudy and damp or wet conditions Tuesday with outbreaks of rain and drizzle will gradually give way to drier, and eventually brighter, conditions this afternoon with sunshine and showers extending from the west. Breezy at times with moderate to fresh and gusty south to southwest winds, easing this evening. Becoming mild too, with afternoon highs of 12C to 16C.”
There is the potential for thunderstorms to strike tomorrow amid heavy rain and mild temperatures.
The national forecaster said: “A blustery day Wednesday with rain spreading across the country from the southwest in the morning, before clearing to the northeast in the afternoon. However, the rain will be quickly followed by heavy, thundery showers for the rest of the day, with the chance of more prolonged showery rain in the southeast. Fresh and gusty southwest winds, strong at times in the west. Another mild day with highest temperatures of 13C to 16C.”
Thursday has been pinpointed as the day Ireland could see its first named storm of the year.
Long range weather maps, which have the potential to change this far out, show a stormy weather system moving near Ireland’s south coast Thursday night.
The meteorological service said: “Widespread showers and some sunny spells will develop on Thursday, with the potential for some heavy downpours. Turning cloudier later in the day with rain pushing into the southwest. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C in moderate to fresh southwesterly winds
“Outbreaks of rain overnight will spread northwards overnight, heaviest and most persistent in southern counties. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 9C in light to moderate southeasterly winds, backing westerly later.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Met Eireann says more miserable conditions are expected through until Sunday before a weather U-turn next week.
High pressure is expected to take over early next week, leading to drier weather.
The forecaster said: “A dull and damp morning Friday with outbreaks of rain for most. The rain will clear eastwards through the day, followed from the west by widespread heavy showers. Highest temperatures 10C to 13C in moderate to fresh westerly winds.
“After some dry and bright spells to start Saturday, showery rain will spread eastwards across the country. Highest temperatures 9C to 13C in a moderate northwest breeze.
“Current indications suggest that high pressure will have a greater influence over the country on Sunday and early next week. It will be drier overall but a few light showers and patches of rain may develop at times.”
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