Ireland could be in for some "long term" good weather after the current period of rain and cloud passes.

According to one expert, the mercury could rise from as early as next week, with the weather systems described as "one to watch".

Alan Reilly from Carlow Weather said: "Weather models showing a chance of some higher pressure in the longer term for next week."

Met Eireann is also hinting that good weather is on the way thanks to high pressure dominating over Ireland for as long as two weeks.

However, according to the national forecaster, we will have to wait until an ominous 'Atlantic system' passes over the country before we can enjoy the good conditions.

This week's weather is set to be changeable with spells of rain and sunshine, but next week is shaping up to be much better as weather models show a chance of some higher pressure in the longer term for then.

As for the remainder of this week, Met Eireann said that the erratic weather will be seen but the weekend will bring some decent dry periods, but with rain or showers at times also and with temperatures in the mid to high teens.

In its monthly forecast, Met Eireann says that from this Friday until Thursday, September 23, there could be a mix between low and high pressure systems, meaning the changeable conditions will continue.

A forecaster said: "The pressure signal over Ireland itself is neutral, but given the relative locations of the higher and lower pressure anomalies, Atlantic frontal systems would tend to be steered to the northwest of Ireland, promoting drier conditions in the south and east.

"This doesn’t preclude the risk of frontal systems spreading further southeast but it does indicate that the weather systems may weaken as they travel southeastwards over the country.

"Mean temperatures are expected to remain a little above average. Rainfall amounts are expected to be slightly above average countrywide also, so there is some potential for low-level rainfall warnings being warranted at times during the period."

However, there could be two weeks of good weather en route after this period, with warm temperatures and dry conditions on the cards thanks to a dominant high pressure system.

The forecaster stated from Friday, September 24 to Thursday, September 30: "The high pressure signal over Scandinavia looks set to become more dominant during this period with higher pressures favoured over Ireland during Week 2.

"Atlantic frontal systems could still affect Ireland during the period, but they are likely to be significantly weakened as they run eastwards into the high pressure.

"A drier than normal rainfall signal supports this reasoning. Temperatures look likely to stay above average also. The potential for warnings during this period is thus reduced."

The good news continues for the following week and into October, from Friday, October 1 to October 7.

The forecaster continued: "High pressure remains dominant over Scandinavia during Week 3, promoting a similar story to Week 2.

"However, there are signs that Atlantic frontal systems may have more of an influence over western and southwestern parts of Ireland with slightly above average rainfall signalled in these areas during the period.

"Average rainfall is signalled for the rest of the country with the exception of north Ulster, where the signal is slightly drier than normal. Temperatures look likely to stay above average."