Widespread rain is set to hit our shores as the weather takes a very wet turn for the next few days.

Persistent rain will develop on south and southeast coasts early this afternoon before making its way towards to the North of Ireland .

This rain will turn heavy by tonight before continuing into the nighttime. Highest temperatures will be 10 to 13 Celsius.

Rain and high winds are on the way (Stock)

Met Eireann says: "This morning will be dry and bright in most areas, with sunny spells, but some scattered showers will occur, mainly in the west and southwest.

"The rain will turn heavy in parts of the south and southwest during the evening. Maximum temperatures 10 to 13 Celsius, in mostly light to moderate southerly breezes, but fresh to strong for a time along west and northwest coasts."

The weather forecast will only get worse into the night and the bad weather takes hold of the whole country.

There will also be mist and fog in many areas.

"Tonight, rain will become widespread, turning heavy at times in the eastern half of the country, but more patchy in west and southwest coastal areas. Misty in many areas, with hill and coastal fog.

"Minimum temperatures 4 to 6 Celsius in Atlantic coastal counties, but milder elsewhere, with minimum of 7 to 10 degrees, in mostly light variable breezes," continues Met.ie

It will become drier by Monday as the rain slows down. Western areas will be mainly dry with less rain expected to fall there.

Similar to the weekend forecast, temperatures will be around 12 Celsius.

"Tomorrow, Monday, will be mostly cloudy, with occasional rain in most areas, but some dry spells will develop during the afternoon, as rain becomes more intermittent.

"West Munster and parts of west Connacht will be mainly dry, with a few bright spells. Maximum temperatures 9 to 12 Celsius, in light to moderate variable breezes," explains the national weather service.