Mixed bag for the week ahead with thunderstorms due on Thursday and Friday

Expect a few more days of the same unsettled weather. That's according to Met Eireann who is forecasting heavy or thundery showers to move in over the country from the south.

According to the State forecaster today will remain rather cloudy and damp with rain on and off through today, drier breaks will develop with the sun peaking through at times.

"The rain will turn heavy and persistent over Connacht and west Ulster during the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures 16 to 19 degrees with high relative humidity even out of the rain. There'll be blustery southerly winds, easing for a time in the west.

"Rain and drizzle will continue through the night. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in a fresh southerly breeze, easing later. Mist and fog on hills.

There won't be much change heading into Tuesday.

"Tomorrow will continue in the same manner with further spells of rain for most areas. Northwestern and southeastern parts may see some drier and brighter spells. Highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees with light to moderate southerly breezes.

"Wednesday will see some further patchy light rain and drizzle in places but a lot of dry weather generally. Cloud and mist will linger in places but there will be some brighter spells in parts too. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees with light variable breezes.

"Thursday will be warmer with sunny spells. It will be mainly dry but a few isolated heavy showers are possible late in the day. Highest temperatures of 18 to 25 degrees, warmest in Leinster with light breezes.

"Thursday night and Friday will see heavy or thundery showers move in over the country from the south. It will still be warm and muggy with some sunny spells by day too."

It then looks like turning fresher for the weekend with a more Atlantic regime setting in.