Ireland weather: Forecasts stifle May bank holiday sun hopes with weekend washout verdict decided

The sun-drenched May bank holiday weekend that we thought was on the cards will not materialise as rainy weather will continue to dominate over the next few days, according to weather models.

The previously "all over the place" models had been unable to settle on a forecast for the long weekend, with some suggesting that the current miserable run of weather would be put right even by Friday as showers would begin to clear, but it appears this will not be the case.

Going into the bank holiday weekend, weather expert Alan O'Reilly had warned that the models powering most popular weather apps could not yet be fully trusted in their forecasts. However, this uncertainty appears to have been cleared up by Met Éireann.

READ MORE: Ireland bank holiday weekend weather takes terrible turn as Met Eireann forecast unexpected twist

Forecasts suggest that the impending rain on Thursday will be heaviest in the South, with a considerable temperature difference with the North becoming observable as early as Thursday.

O'Reilly pointed out the odd phenomenon, writing: "Tomorrow Thursday will see a big contrast between weather North and South with temperatures up to 18c in North but just 6c or 7c in South under heavy rain!"

Temperature map shows a massive contrast between North and South on Thursday
(Image: Carlow Weather/X)

Met Éireann has confidently predicted cloud and rain over the weekend. According to the national forecaster, the gloomy conditions could make the long weekend feel even longer as "limited sunny spells" will characterise Friday.

The forecaster gave the following day-by-day breakdown of the weather:

Thursday

Rather cloudy and wet this morning with bands of rain drifting across the country. The rain will linger across the west and south through to this afternoon and may be heavy at times too.

Staying drier further north however with moderate blustery winds. Highest temperatures of 8 to 13 degrees but staying rather mild in the north with highs of 15 to 18 degrees.

Friday

Cloudy and dull to begin with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, becoming more persistent for a time during the afternoon with limited sunny spells. Light winds and highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees.

Saturday

Cloudy and damp with outbreaks of rain and drizzle from the morning. A few brighter spells will develop across southern and eastern counties later in the afternoon with generally light winds all day. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.

Sunday

Quite cloudy to begin with rain developing across southern counties before spreading further north during the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees and generally light winds.

Monday

Current indications would suggest another unsettled day with cloud and outbreaks of rain. Winds will stay light however with temperatures likely to remain in the mid-teens.

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