Irish weather forecast: Highs of 16C expected this week as high pressure brings sunshine to Ireland

The mercury is expected to hit highs of 16C this week as high pressure brings sunshine to Ireland.

However, we will see some cold clear nights also during the week.

It will be a cold but sunny start in many parts across the country today with patchy frost in places.

Sunday will be dry with a mix of cloud and sunshine and highs of 8C to 11C.

Tonight will be mainly dry with a mix of cloud and clear spells. Lowest temperatures of 2C to 5C in moderate northwest breezes.

Met Eireann forecasters say a high pressure system will remain close to Ireland, bringing us some much-needed sunshine on Monday with highs of 11C to 13C, however, there will be some cloudy conditions also.

People enjoying the weather in St Stephen Green park, Dublin (Collins Photos)

Irish weather forecast: Met Eireann reveal warm and sunny week in store as temperatures reach highs of 13C 

Looking ahead to Tuesday, a forecaster said: "A few patches of light rain in Connacht and Ulster on Tuesday but overall a good deal of dry weather is expected.

"The best of any sunshine will be in the south and east of the country. Highest temperatures will range from 11C to 14C in light southwesterly winds. Clear spells and patchy cloud overnight with lows of 2C to 5C degrees.

"It looks set to be another predominantly dry day on Wednesday with just scattered patches of light rain.

"It will be mainly cloudy but some sunny spells are likely, the best of these in the east and southeast.

People enjoy the sunny weather with the deer in the Phoenix Park, Dublin (Collins Photos)

Irish weather forecast: Weekend to remain mostly dry as Ireland enjoys some sunshine  

"Highest temperatures of 11C to 14C in moderate southwest breezes."

Wednesday night will be see some clear spells and patchy cloud. Temperatures could dip to as low as 1C or 2C under prolonged clear spells but staying at 5C to 7C under cloud cover.

Meanwhile, Thursday looks set to be the warmest day of the week, with highs of 16C.

Irish weather forecast: Met Eireann warn of 'severe frost' as temperatures plummet this weekend 

A forecaster said: "Another dry day for much of the country with a mix of cloud and sunny spells.

"There is just the small chance of the odd patch of rain drifting in across parts of the northwest.

"Highest temperatures of 12C to 16C in moderate southwest winds, fresh along Atlantic coasts."