Met Eireann confirm when wet spell will end as they give hopeful Paddy's Day prediction

Met Éireann have issued a hopeful update for St Patrick's Day and the double Bank Holiday - as they predicted the end of the torrid wet spell we're seeing.

It feels like forever since we saw the sun, as rain, hail, sleet and snow battered the country on Friday and Saturday.

But it does appear that after a few more showers on Sunday, things will start to pick up.

The latest prediction from the boffins at Met Éireann shows good signs for the double Bank Holiday and St Patrick's Day.

Sunday

Tomorrow will be "very windy" to start off, the boffins predict.

However, there will be "widespread, heavy and prolonged" to follow those conditions in the afternoon.

The best of the weather will be in the south and east of the country.

Then, overnight, "more persistent rain will move in across northern counties for a time, possibly falling as snow on high ground. Turning quite chilly with lowest temperatures of -1 to +4"

A walker in the rain in Swords (Collins Agency, Dublin)

Monday

Here is where things start to pick up.

The forecast reads: "Lingering rain in the north will clear during the morning with a good deal of dry and sunny weather developing for Monday with just a few showers. Maximum temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees. It looks set to be dry across the country on Monday night with clear spells. with lows of -2."

Tuesday

"On Tuesday, rain will develop in Atlantic coastal counties before noon with largely dry but cloudy conditions elsewhere. During the afternoon and evening, rain will extend gradually eastwards but will fizzle out as it does so"

Wednesday

It's still early days to make a clear-cut prediction, but things are looking good generally as we reach midweek.

"Current indications suggest Wednesday will be a rather cloudy day with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle. The best prospect of dry and bright weather is across western counties"

St Patrick's Day

The great news is that it's looking like a very pleasant St Patrick's Day.

The latest indications say: "Early indications suggest St. Patrick's Day will be a bright day with lots of dry weather and sunshine. Maximum afternoon temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees are forecast with just light breezes."