Ex-tropical storm Alex will track close to Ireland today bringing heavy winds for western areas but not enough for official weather warnings.
The storm has been barrelling across the Atlantic in recent days with its eyes set on Ireland but it is to veer slightly above the country today - meaning the potential hazardous conditions will be avoided.
Winds will still pick-up over the next few days however, right across the country.
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Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather said: "The storm will track well out to the West today and into tomorrow with strongest winds staying out in the Atlantic however we will see strong winds across the country tomorrow and also on Saturday."
Met Eireann forecast that temperatures will pick up into the twenties today although wet and blustery conditions will be widespread.
A forecaster said: "A wet start today with rain and drizzle spreading to all areas this morning. Rain easing from the southwest, brightening up there later this morning. Sunny spells and just a few showers will extend elsewhere through the afternoon. Highest temperatures 16 to 20 or 21 degrees, warmest in the east. Moderate to fresh southeast winds will veer southwest as the rain clears. Winds will be strong at times along coasts."
Friday and Saturday too look to be rather miserable with plenty of rain and gusty conditions.
The forecaster added: "Breezy and blustery on Friday with widespread showers, mixed with bright or sunny intervals. Several of the showers will turn heavy during the day. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees. Fresh and gusty southwest winds. Winds strong in the west where it will be very windy in coastal areas.
"Saturday will bring further widespread showers, showers most frequent across the west and north where they may merge to longer spells of rain. The odd shower will be heavy. Highest temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees. Breezy again with fresh southwest winds, strong at times in coastal areas."
