The wait goes on for a reliable spell of summer conditions as Ireland is set for a 'very mixed' day of weather on Saturday as July's somewhat miserable start continues.

Extended periods of sunshine and high temperatures appear to be few and far between as weather forecasters have given their expert verdicts on the weekend.

It's anticipated that Saturday will be quite a mixed day, according to reliable forecaster Alan O'Reilly - who mans the @CarlowWeather account on X, formerly Twitter - as plenty of wind and rain is expected.

According to Mr O'Reilly, the east of the country finds itself at the highest risk of the heaviest rain through the afternoon before a band of showers moves in from the west on Saturday evening.

This is backed up by national forecaster Met Eireann, which has warned of the risk of isolated thunderstorms tonight - though an official weather warning has yet to be issued.

Highs of 17C are forecast this afternoon, though they could drop to as low as 6C overnight.

"Sunny spells and a few showers at first today, Saturday, mainly in the north and west," a spokesperson for Met Eireann said. "The showers will become more widespread as the day goes on, turning heavy in parts with the chance of isolated thunderstorms. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in light to moderate west to northwest winds.

"Scattered showers will continue early tonight, some heavy with an ongoing chance of isolated thunderstorms. The showers will become increasingly isolated overnight, and largely confined to the west and north. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in light westerly or variable breezes.

"Sunny spells and scattered showers again tomorrow Sunday, with some slow-moving heavy and possibly thundery downpours developing in the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in light west to northwest or variable breezes."