WEATHER: Today's forecast (December 29)

Thursday (December 29) will be windy to start with very strong winds possible in the north and northwest for a time early in the morning, according to Met Éireann.

There will be further showers with some bright or sunny periods.

Showers will be heavy in the morning with possible hail or lightning, mainly near Atlantic coasts.

Chance of sleet in the north too.

Winds will slowly ease light to moderate southwesterly through the day.

A colder day with afternoon highs of 5 to 9 degrees.