Saharan dust is also expected to move over Ireland. When mixed with rain, it may leave a layer of dust on cars and windows, particularly in eastern areas
Rain on umbrella background, weather forecast and environmental concept
Persistent rain is set to make an unwelcome return today after a brief break that brought the first dry day of the year on Wednesday – with temperatures also expected to plunge to a chilly -2C in the coming days.
A spell of persistent rain will sweep across parts of the country through Thursday, bringing a wet start to the day for many.
Conditions will gradually improve from the west later this morning and into the afternoon, with sunny spells and a few isolated showers developing and slowly pushing eastwards, according to Met Eireann.
However, rain is expected to linger in eastern areas for most of the day before finally clearing from the east coast during the evening.
“It will be a cool day with afternoon temperatures between 3C and 8C, along with moderate to fresh north-westerly winds, which will ease later,” the national forecaster stated.
A large band of rain from the Atlantic is also expected to move in this evening, while temperatures are set to drop sharply in the coming days, with lows falling to around -2C.
Tonight will turn dry and cold as cloud clears away, particularly in the east, leaving largely clear skies.
Temperatures will fall to between -2C and 2C, allowing frost and icy patches to develop in light to moderate north-westerly breezes.
Weather expert Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather said the morning will start very wet in many parts of the country.
“A very wet start in many parts on Thursday morning but that rain will move east and it will stay wet in the east until after dark,” he said.
He added that it will turn colder tonight with a risk of frost on Friday morning.
“Friday will see lots and lots of sunshine and plenty of blue sky,” he said.
The wind will also change direction on Thursday, turning north-north-east, which will make it feel much colder due to wind chill.
Saharan dust is also expected to move over Ireland. When mixed with rain, it may leave a layer of dust on cars and windows, particularly in eastern areas.
Despite the cold start to Friday, plenty of sunshine is expected on both Friday and Saturday.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.