Wind and rain to batter most areas of the country later today as weather takes a turn for the worse

While today has started off quite brightly, the forecast says that there will be some very unpleasant conditions throughout the afternoon and into the evening as strong winds and scattered showers of rain spread all over the country. It's set to be very blustery today with southerly winds reaching gale force along Atlantic coasts. Scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle will continue to develop along western and southern coastal counties through the day and will later extend to the rest of the country. Highest temperatures of 15-18 degrees. Winds will continue to be strong in the early hours of Sunday night with fresh to strong winds coming in from the south. Mostly cloudy also, with occasional outbreaks of rain and drizzle , heavy at times in some parts, especially in parts of the west and southwest. Very mild and humid, with hill and coastal fog.