Sunny spells for the weekend followed by a plunge in temperature

Sunshine on a rainy day appears to be the theme of the weekend as weather chiefs predict sunny spells and mild temperatures today followed by an outbreak of rain and drizzle throughout tomorrow and Sunday.

According to Met Eireann Frost and any mist will clear quickly this morning to leave a largely dry day with sunny spells. Increasing cloud amounts this afternoon may produce a light shower or two in the west. Highs of 10 to 12 degrees. Southerly winds will freshen near western coasts this afternoon.

Outbreaks of rain and drizzle in Atlantic coastal counties early tonight, will push eastwards overnight and become patchy. Light to moderate southwest breezes will be fresh near western coasts for a time. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees generally, but down to 2 or 3 degrees locally in south Leinster.

Tomorrow, Saturday, will bring a mix of cloud and bright or sunny spells with patchy light rain or showers, but amounts will be small. The best of the sunshine will be in the northwest. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in light southerly or variable breezes.

Mist and fog patches may be slow clear on Sunday morning in the near calm conditions, but sunny spells will break through in most places by the afternoon. Dry with highs of 9 to 11 degrees with light easterly breezes developing.

A dry night with clear spells. Mist and fog patches will return with a few pockets of dense fog occurring towards dawn. Lows of 1 to 4 degrees in light easterly breezes.