Met Éireann says that prolonged heavy showers will wash over the country today

It's looking very grim.

If you're heading out tonight then we'd advise you to cover up because it's going to lash rain. According to Met Éireann, there will be prolonged heavy showers throughout the day, with risk of hail and thunder tonight. The weather forecaster said: "Cloudy and breezy early today with outbreaks of rain. Brightening up later this morning with some sunny spells, however blustery heavy showers will also move in from the west, with a risk of hail and thunder.

Outbreaks of rain this morning with sunny spells and blustery heavy showers later, with the risk of hail and thunder. Feeling cold, with highs of 5 to 9 degrees, in strengthening westerly breezes. pic.twitter.com/IwagJL2ta3

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 12, 2019

"Some of the showers will be prolonged later, especially across Atlantic counties. Feeling cold, with highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees. Westerly winds will also strengthen." And as for later: "Windy in turn tonight, in fresh to strong westerly winds. Scattered blustery showers and clear spells will continue, some of which will be prolonged across Ulster and north Connacht with the ongoing risk of hail and thunder. Some frost is possible too, though mainly in sheltered spots. Cold, with lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees." The weekend is looking much the same except with frost and icy patches. Temperatures will fall to freezing point on both Friday and Saturday night.