Ireland could be in for some warmer weather in the coming weeks, according to the latest weather maps.
After a wet and windy March, the country could bathe in 18C sunshine after Easter weekend.
Low pressure in the Atlantic has been the driving force behind Ireland’s recent miserable weather, however a switch to high pressure is being signalled for the week of April 7 to 13.
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In general, low pressure causes unsettled weather conditions, while high pressure leads to a more settled set up.
Met Eireann says high pressure will have more of an influence in the coming weeks, bringing more sunshine and above average temperatures to parts of the country.
It says areas in the north and east are most likely to enjoy the warmer and drier weather.
A forecaster said: “The week of Friday, April 7 to Thursday, April 13 looks to be more settled than [the previous week].
“A southeasterly airflow is signalled to dominate during this period with high pressure having more of an influence on our weather, mainly to the north and east of Ireland with low pressure signalled to dominate to the southwest in the Atlantic.
“Rainfall amounts will be normal for the south of the country and perhaps a little above normal for the southwest. The north, west and midlands will likely have drier than normal conditions.
“No warnings expected. Temperatures will be slightly above average overall.”
Some long-range weather maps, which are subject to change this far out, show temperatures climbing to 18C in parts on Tuesday, April 11.
The potential warm spell follows a particularly cold and wet March, which is likely to spill into the end of the month.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty winds are forecast for today, with further showers forecast to move across the country overnight.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, the national forecaster said: “Thursday will bring sunny spells and scattered heavy showers with a few isolated thunderstorms possible. Rain developing in the south in the evening and spreading northwards. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C with mostly moderate to fresh southwesterly winds.
“Outbreaks of rain will spread northwards overnight Thursday, heaviest and most persistent in southern counties. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 9C in variable winds, fresh to strong at times near coasts.
“Cloudy or dull Friday with outbreaks of rain, driest early on in the north and later brightening up in the west but with some heavy showers possible too. Highest temperatures of 10C to 13C degrees, in mostly moderate northwesterly winds.
“Cool and breezy Saturday with sunny spells and occasional showers, possibly heavy or thundery later. Highest temperatures 9C to 12C, in rather brisk northwest winds. Becoming drier and clearer after dark, but chilly with frost setting in as temperatures widely dip close to freezing.
“A drier, brighter and calmer day is likely on Sunday with sunny spells and just isolated light showers. Highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees, in just light northerly breezes.”
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