Waves batter Donaghadee, Co Down

IT is a case of batten down the hatches on Monday.

The day started dry and bright but heavy rain and winds have swept across Northern Ireland by late morning and into lunchtime.

In the afternoon, the rain will turn more showery from the west through the afternoon.

It will be a windy day with strong southerly winds and gales along the Down coast. Maximum temperature 9 degrees Centigrade

Tonight will be windy with blustery showers throughout this evening, and it will be particularly heavy along the Antrim coast.

It will becomeing drier after midnight with winds easing.

There will be further rain reaching Armagh and Fermanagh by the end of the night.

Overnight temparatures will be 4 degrees Centigrade.

On Tuesday, rain will start in the north east and then extend across all parts during the morning.

However, it will become drier and brighter in the afternoon, with strong southwesterly winds in the afternoon.

It will feel mild with temparatures hitting a maximum of 11C

The rain and heavy winds will return on Wednesday, and will be quite wintry over the hills.

More rain for Thursday is forecast but it will be less windy.

The out look for Friday is colder weather with a few showers.