It's Monday, May 18th, 2026. If you're in Ireland, you might be seeing a mix of weather outside your window. The day starts with a hint of promise for some, then gradually gives way to what we've come to expect: rain. But don't lose all hope; the week ahead, especially the weekend, looks like it might bring some real summer weather.

Let's look at Met Éireann's forecast for today, then see what the rest of the week has in store.

Today's Forecast: A Tale of Two Halves

If you're in the west or southwest, you've probably already noticed the clouds. For those further east and north, particularly in Ulster and north Leinster, the morning might even offer some bright or sunny spells. So, if you're in those areas, enjoy it while it lasts. Any mist and fog from yesterday will clear quickly this morning.

The main event today, however, is the rain. What starts as cloud and rain in the southwest will steadily push northeast as the day goes on. And this isn't just a light sprinkle; Met Éireann warns that the rain will be heavy at times. So, if you're planning to be out, especially in the southern and western parts, keep that umbrella handy. We might also see some hill and coastal mist and fog develop later in the south and southwest, which isn't ideal for scenic drives.

Temperatures will be fairly mild today, ranging from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius. Breezes will start light to moderate, generally from the south or variable, but they'll pick up through the afternoon and evening, becoming moderate to fresh from the southeast, especially along southern and western coastal areas. So, expect a bit of a push and pull with the wind, adding to that classic Irish weather dynamic.

Tonight: A Soggy Transition

As Monday turns into Tuesday, the persistent rain moving across the country will gradually clear northeast through the first half of the night. This means some dry spells could follow, offering a brief break. However, don't get too comfortable, because more showers, and even a longer period of rain, are set to follow from the southwest. Yes, you guessed it, heavy at times.

On the bright side, it will be a milder night than we've had recently. Temperatures won't drop below 8 to 11 degrees. Winds will be moderate to fresh from the southeast, shifting southerly and easing to mostly moderate as the night progresses. So, a damp but not-too-chilly night is expected.

Looking Ahead: The Week's Weather Story

Tuesday 19th May

Tuesday looks generally cloudy for most of us. We're expecting widespread showers, which could occasionally merge into longer periods of rain. Again, heavy at times, and there's even a chance of a few isolated thunderstorms. So, a classic unsettled spring day. Temperatures will be a bit higher than Monday, ranging from 11 to 16 degrees, with a moderate, occasionally fresh, southwest wind. Coastal parts of the south and west might feel that wind more strongly.

Tuesday Night

More showers are on the way for Tuesday night, with some longer periods of rain quite possible, especially further north for a while. But, thankfully, it should become drier as the night progresses. Lowest temperatures will be between 8 and 11 degrees, with moderate, occasionally fresh, southwest winds.

Wednesday: A Glimmer of Hope

Wednesday offers a bit more variety. We'll still have scattered showers, particularly in the north. But, importantly, many areas should see a good deal of dry weather for much of the day, with a welcome mix of cloud and sunny spells. This sounds like a good chance to get out for a walk or enjoy some fresh air. However, clouds will start to gather again from the southwest in the evening, bringing some rain and drizzle to the southwest and west. Temperatures will climb a bit further, reaching 13 to 17 or even 18 degrees. Winds will be mostly moderate, occasionally fresh, from the southwest, easing to light to moderate and backing southerly.

Wednesday Night

Wednesday night will be cloudy, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle becoming more widespread. Expect some hill and coastal mist and fog too. It will be a mild night, with lowest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees, and mostly moderate, occasionally fresh, southerly winds.

Thursday: More of the Same, But Warmer

Thursday is shaping up to be another mostly cloudy day, with showers or longer periods of rain. Some of this rain could be heavy, particularly in the west and northwest. More hill and coastal mist and fog are also expected, especially in the south. The good news is that it's getting warmer. Highest temperatures will be between 14 and 19 degrees, with the south generally warmer than the north. Winds will be moderate, occasionally fresh, from the south.

Friday: Showers Continue

Friday will see mostly cloudy conditions continue, with showers or showery outbreaks of rain. Some of this will be heavy, especially in the west and southwest. We might get a few bright or sunny spells, particularly in the east. Hill and coastal mist and fog are likely again, especially in the south. Temperatures will remain in that 14 to 19-degree range, with light to moderate southerly winds.

The Weekend Outlook: Finally, Some Sunshine?

Now, for the news many of us have been waiting for. The outlook for next weekend looks promising. It's likely to become drier and sunnier, and warmer too, as high pressure starts to take charge.

Saturday

Any mist and fog on Saturday morning should clear, leaving a good deal of dry weather with bright or sunny spells developing. There might be a few scattered showers, but nothing too major. Highest temperatures will be a lovely 15 to 20 degrees, with light to moderate west to north-west or variable breezes. This sounds like perfect weather for getting out and exploring some of Ireland's beautiful landscapes or enjoying a local festival.

Sunday

Sunday morning could see some mist and fog, which should generally clear, though it might linger in coastal areas. But overall, it's expected to be a mainly dry and warm day with plenty of sunshine. Highest temperatures are forecast to be between 19 and 23 degrees generally, perhaps a little cooler in coastal parts, with mostly light variable breezes. This is the kind of weather we dream of in May, perfect for a picnic, a trip to the beach, or just enjoying the great outdoors.

So, while Monday and much of the week might be a bit damp and unsettled, there's a definite light at the end of the tunnel with a warmer, drier weekend on the horizon. It's a reminder that Irish weather, while unpredictable, often balances itself out. Remember to check local forecasts regularly, especially if you're planning outdoor activities, as conditions can change. For official updates, you can always refer to Met Éireann's website. Also, for information on how local authorities are managing weather-related impacts, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage often provides useful resources and updates on their official government page.