A rare weather event has been occurring in countries across Europe thanks to a dust storm spreading from the Sahara.
People in the UK reported 'blood rain' falling on Wednesday with cars and gardens covered in a layer of red dust.
The 'apocalyptic' scenes saw skies turn an eery orange colour, mirroring similar weather this week in Portugal, Germany and Spain.
Read more: Rare ‘blood rain’ weather could hit Ireland on St Patrick’s Day as Saharan dust storm spreads
The phenomenon occurs thanks to a dust cloud of sand from North Africa hovering 2km above the ground.
It is not known as yet whether Ireland will see red rain falling on Wednesday night and Thursday for St Patrick's Day.
However, the dust bomb has been spreading westwards in recent days and could potentially hit Ireland given that southern parts of the UK have already been impacted.
Met Eireann is forecasting a largely dry and bright St Patrick's Day before temperatures plummet to -2C overnight.
A forecaster said: "St Patrick's Day will see a few brighter spells but a good deal of cloud bringing some showers eastwards across the country.
"Through the afternoon, mainly dry weather will gradually follow from the west with sunny spells developing. Breezy with fresh, gusty southwest winds veering westerly, which will ease later. Highest temperatures of 9 to 13C, coolest in the north and northwest.
"St Patrick's night will be dry with clear spells and frost in places. Lowest temperatures of -2 to 2C. Light and variable breezes will become southeasterly overnight."
As for the double bank holiday and the weekend, they added: "Friday will be dry with good sunny spells. It will be noticeably milder with highest temperatures of 10 to 15C and moderate south to southeast breezes.
"It will be coolest along south and east coasts and mildest in the midlands and Connacht. Friday night will be dry and clear with a light to moderate southeasterly breeze. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6C.
"Saturday will be dry and mild with sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 10 to 15C with light to moderate southeasterly breezes.
"Through Saturday evening and night, showers will move up from the southeast and extend to much of the country overnight. Some will be heavy with a possibility of isolated thunderstorms. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 6C, coldest in the north.
"During [Sunday] morning there will be some further showers over the western half of the country. These will clear to the west and the day will be mainly dry with sunny spells. Continuing mild with highest temperatures of 10 to 14C and moderate east to southeast breezes."
Read more: St Patrick's bank holiday off-licence opening hours in Ireland as alcohol buying times to change
Read more: Full list of Ireland’s bank holidays for 2022 as Easter holidays to follow bonus day off
For the latest breaking news to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
