Sunday's Outlook: A Mixed Bag for May

Good morning, Ireland! It's Sunday, May 10th, 2026. If you're wondering what the day holds, we've got the forecast. After a somewhat unpredictable week, today brings a bit of everything, leaning drier for most, but with some exceptions, especially along the western and northwestern coasts.

Irish weather is often unpredictable. May usually brings hopes for long, bright evenings and warmer temperatures. While we'll see some sunshine today, it won't feel like summer yet. Dress in layers, as the northerly breeze will remind you it's still spring.

What to Expect Today

For most of the country, Sunday should be mostly dry. This is good news for anyone planning a walk, gardening, or enjoying coffee outside. We'll have some decent sunny spells to start, a welcome sight on a Sunday morning. These bright moments make May feel like it's truly here, even if the thermometer disagrees.

However, clouds will build from the northwest as the day goes on. This means those closer to the Atlantic, particularly in western and northwestern coastal areas, might see isolated showers. Nothing major, but enough to keep an eye on the sky if you're out in those regions. I always recommend a light waterproof rather than getting caught out.

Temperatures will range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This is typical for May, perhaps a bit cooler than some might hope. Winds will be light to moderate, from a northerly direction. This northerly flow keeps things fresh, preventing significant warmth from settling in.

Heading into Sunday Night

As day turns to night, most areas will have a dry evening with clear spells initially. This is perfect for stargazing away from city lights, or just enjoying a quiet Sunday evening.

But, like the daytime, the northwestern cloud will continue its slow movement across the country overnight. This means scattered showers are likely, mainly affecting Ulster and Connacht. So, if you're in those areas, you might hear rain on your window.

Temperatures will drop to between 3 and 8 degrees Celsius. A mostly light northwesterly breeze will persist. It's still quite cool for May nights, so don't pack away those warmer duvets yet.

Looking Ahead to Monday

Monday, May 11th, won't start with wall-to-wall sunshine. We expect a mainly cloudy start with scattered light showers. Keep this in mind if you're heading out for the morning commute or school run.

The good news is the day should brighten up, bringing more sunny spells. This is a common pattern this time of year: a cloudy start often leads to a brighter afternoon.

Highest temperatures for Monday will be between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, similar to Sunday. The breeze will remain mostly light, from the north to northwest. So, layers will still be useful, and a light jacket won't hurt.

The Week Ahead: Changeable and Unsettled

Looking further ahead, we're in for a more changeable and somewhat unsettled period from midweek onwards. This means a mix of sunshine and blustery showers. Cool temperatures for this time of year are set to continue.

Monday night will be largely dry with variable cloud and clear spells initially. However, cloud will increase from the northwest overnight, bringing patchy rain and drizzle to northwestern parts by morning. Lowest temperatures will be between 6 and 10 degrees in light to moderate westerly winds.

Tuesday will see that cloud, patchy rain, and drizzle extend southeastwards through the morning. Brighter, breezier conditions and scattered showers will follow from the northwest. We're looking at highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees in moderate to fresh westerly winds.

Tuesday night will bring showers from the northwest, spreading southeastwards across the country, with some potentially turning heavy. It will be breezy with moderate to fresh westerly winds and lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees.

Wednesday looks set to be cool and blustery, with sunny spells and showers, some of which could be heavy. Highest temperatures will be a cooler 9 to 13 degrees, accompanied by a fresh and gusty northwesterly wind.

Thursday continues this trend, with current indications showing another cool, breezy day with showers. Temperatures will remain between 9 and 13 degrees, with moderate to fresh northwesterly winds.

The overall outlook for the foreseeable future suggests generally changeable and somewhat unsettled conditions are likely to continue, with temperatures remaining a little below average for this time of year. So, while we might get glimpses of sunshine, true summer warmth isn't quite ready to settle in yet.

For the most up-to-date information, check Met Éireann (https://www.met.ie/). They provide comprehensive and reliable forecasts.

So, there you have it for today, Sunday, May 10th. Enjoy those sunny spells while they last, and don't be too surprised if a shower or two appears, especially near the coast. Here's to hoping for more consistent warmth as we move further into May!