Storm Ciara is set to hit Ireland with strong winds and .
Gusty showers will move eastwards , bringing a risk of very strong squally winds for a time in the afternoon.
A Met Eireann spokesman said: "Current indications suggest a very strong and squally southwest wind will develop on Sunday along with heavy rain as Storm Ciara moves eastwards to the north of the country.
"The rain will clear to showers and squally westerly winds later in the day.
"The unsettled weather with strong winds and potentially stormy conditions along with high seas currently look set to continue in to the early days of next week, with cold weather prevailing.
"There will be spells of heavy rain or showers turning wintry at times."
Tonight will be dry with clear spells.
Thursday will be a dry day with sunny spells, with afternoon temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in freshening southeasterly breezes.
Friday will be cloudy and breezy.
A spell of more persistent and at times heavy rain will move into the south and west in the afternoon, becoming widespread in the evening.
In the UK, forecasters said winds of up to 80mph could slam into the country as a weather warning was issued.
In a tweet the Met Office said: "#StormCiara has been named and will bring very unsettled weather across the UK through Saturday night and Sunday."
Weather will be wet and windy this weekend with winds potentially reaching storm force on Sunday at the coasts.
