Ireland is on alert for a serious weather change within days as a cold blast sends temperatures tumbling with a risk of snow in some areas.
Met Eireann says it will be “very cold” early next week, with mist, fog, frost, subzero temperatures, ice and wintry showers forecast at times for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
It says there is currently some “uncertainty” for midweek, as milder air possibly moves in from the south west.
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This could result in a spell of rain for areas in the south on Wednesday, which will fall as sleet or snow as it meets the cold air over the country.
The national forecaster says it is “uncertain yet how far north the milder air - and therefore rain or snow - will reach”.
It added: “A lot of uncertainty at this stage but there is potential for further falls of rain, sleet or snow on Thursday, with drier conditions most likely in the north.”
Giving its overall forecast for the week of March 6 to March 12, Met Eireann said: “Low pressure systems nearby are set to dominate through Week 1 with a predominately northerly airflow, becoming southwesterly at times. It will be colder than normal, especially away from the southwest. Rainfall amounts will generally be below normal with the exception of the northwest which will be more prone to showers in the northerly airflow.
“Colder than average conditions could lead to some wintry hazards, especially frosty nights though icy conditions are not expected to due below average rainfall.”
In the meantime, Ireland can expect a mix of sunshine and showers this weekend with daytime temperatures in the single figures.
For Saturday, Met Eireann said: “Today will be mostly cloudy or dull, with very few bright spells. A rather dry day for many but there will be isolated showers too. Afternoon temperatures of 6C or 7C with just light variable breezes.
“Scattered showers will move down into Ulster and north Connacht tonight but it will be mostly dry elsewhere. Quite cloudy with some clear spells developing later on. Lowest temperatures of -1C to 3C with a slight frost possible in parts, in light northwest breezes or near calm conditions.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow, it continued: “A mix of cloud and sunshine for Sunday. There will be frequent showers across much of Ulster, also affecting northern parts of Leinster or Connacht at times. Lots of dry weather across the southern half of the country. Highest temperatures of 7C to 9C with light or moderate northwesterly winds.
“Clear spells at first Sunday night with some mist or fog forming. There will be scattered showers, mainly just in Connacht and Ulster. Becoming mostly cloudy by morning. Lowest temperatures of -1C to 3C with a slight frost in parts. Mostly light northwest winds.”
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