Irish weather forecast including New Year's holiday period has one major prediction

FRIDAY: It will be rather windy for a time with some sunshine and scattered showers.

The showers won't be as widespread as todays.

However, rain will continue in parts of the north and the northwest, some of it heavy, with a chance of localised flooding.

There's the likelihood of some sleet in the north too, over higher ground.

Highest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees, possibly a little lower in some northern parts, in fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds easing later.

National Outlook
Overview: Rather cold and unsettled

FRIDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers continuing for a time in northern parts. Cloud will build from the southwest, with rain developing there and spreading northeastwards through the night, possibly turning to sleet or snow over higher ground.

Becoming windy with the rain, with fresh to strong southeasterly winds.

Lowest temperatures of -2 to 4 degrees occurring early on.

SATURDAY: Windy or very windy with rain clearing to sunny spells and scattered showers, possibly of sleet or snow across northern and western areas. Highest afternoon temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees, in a very strong and gusty southwest wind.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Showers continuing overnight as winds ease somewhat overnight, with some frost and ice possible in parts later as temperatures fall to between 1 and 5 degrees.

SUNDAY: A likely breezy and chilly day with scattered showers and moderate to fresh northwest winds. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees.

FURTHER OUTLOOK: Considerable uncertainty in the further outlook, with a possibility of calmer conditions early on next week.