-- Temperatures will average near normal values with a rising trend, balancing a start at around 3 deg below normal with a finish where several days are a little above average.
-- Rainfall will vary from 25% or less in Ulster, to 75% of normal in parts of Munster.
-- Sunshine will average near normal values.
-- Wind speeds will be generally moderate at times but mostly light.
FORECASTS
TODAY will bring a mixture of cloud and sunshine, probably longer bright spells further north as there will be more widespread showers and a few thunderstorms across Munster and south Leinster. Rainfalls of 5-10 mm will be typical there, but trace to 5 mm further north. Rather cool, highs only 12 to 15 C.
TONIGHT will become partly cloudy in most areas, with light rain at times across the south, lows near 7 C south to around 3-5 C in Ulster.
TUESDAY will be rather cloudy with some areas of rain lingering to at least mid-day in Munster and south Leinster, but a clearing trend will develop by late afternoon and evening there, with longer sunny intervals all day further north. Highs 12 to 16 C.
WEDNESDAY will be generally dry with partly cloudy skies, isolated showers most likely in the southwest, with lows of 4 to 7 C and highs of 13 to 17 C.
THURSDAY will start out partly cloudy and pleasant in the east and north, overcast in the south and west where outbreaks of light rain will begin during the morning hours and become somewhat heavier by afternoon and evening. This rain may reach the east and north by late afternoon or evening. Lows 4 to 7 C and highs 15 to 18 C.
FRIDAY will see gradual clearing from the west, lows near 10 C and highs 17 to 20 C.
SATURDAY to MONDAY (29th to 31st) will be reasonably warm with Monday looking like it may exceed 21 C, after two days around 19 C or so. This will be a partly cloudy interval with some generous sunny intervals, and only small chances for showers.
Into early June, a warm, humid southeast flow will develop and spread rain into Ireland at times from that direction, and highs will be in the 17 to 21 C range. This may lead to outbreaks of heavy and thundery rain within a few days.
Peter for IWO