A double cyclone storm that "looks like ET" is set to bring a spiral of rain to soak Ireland this weekend.
The long-range weather maps, which are subject to change, show two low-pressure bubbles with rain wrapped around them. And the bubbles look like they could burst and offload a torrent of heavy downpours across the country on Saturday and Sunday.
High pressure, which promises a dry, settled week ahead, may hold it off, but forecasters warn it is “one to watch”. Meteorologist Jim Dale told The Express: “There’s a low-pressure feature with some significant rain associated with it that approaches during the start of next month.
Read more: Met Eireann forecast dry and sunny start to the week but heavy rain to hit soon
“This weather system, which looks a bit like ET, is one to watch, simply because it will set up a battle with high pressure and if it manages to get past it is carrying a lot of rain with it.” Met Eireann’s latest weather forecast confirms a washout weekend is in store.
A post on its website reads: “High pressure dominating for much of this week; Mainly dry with good sunny spells and a few showers. Becoming more unsettled from Friday onwards.
“On Friday, after a mainly dry start, a band of rain will move in from the west and heavy showers will develop further east. Through the second half of the day heavy downpours are likely, especially over Leinster and Ulster with localised flooding possible.
“Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C with light to moderate easterly breezes. The weekend will continue unsettled with further spells of rain or showers, which may be heavy at times. Temperatures will range from about 17 to 21 degrees.”
In the meantime, Ireland is set to enjoy warm, dry and sunny conditions for most of the week. The national forecaster said: “Tuesday will be mostly dry with sunny spells but a few showers are possible in Ulster. Highest temperatures of 18C to 23C with light to moderate easterly breezes
“Tuesday night will be mild and mainly dry with some patches of mist or fog developing and with lowest temperatures 9C to 12C with light variable breezes. Wednesday and Thursday will all be mainly dry with sunny spells and just a few showers at times. Highest temperatures of 18C to 22C with mainly light to moderate easterly breezes. Lowest night time temperatures will range from about 9C to 12C.”
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