Ireland can expect even more wintry weather this weekend as an Arctic blast sends temperatures plummeting.
It marks a dramatic change from the ‘mini-heatwave’ Ireland enjoyed in recent days as a switch in airmass brings cold air down from Scandinavia.
Met Eireann has warned temperatures could plummet as low as -4C on Saturday night, causing “widespread frost”, “mist” and “fog”.
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This could create perilous conditions for road users, who are being urged to take extra care in such surroundings.
Saturday will see a mix of sunshine and rain, with temperatures struggling to reach double figures.
In its latest forecast, Met Eireann said: “This morning showery outbreaks of rain will gradually move down across the country before clearing south with drier conditions and sunny spells following from the north. The showers will become isolated this afternoon with good sunny spells developing across the country.
“Highest temperatures of 7C to 11C, mildest in the west in mostly moderate northerly breezes.”
However, things will take a bitter turn overnight.
The national forecaster continued: “Tonight will be very cold and largely dry with long clear spells, but cloud will increase from northwest towards morning with some patchy drizzle developing along western fringes.
“Lowest temperatures of -4C to 1C with a widespread frost developing along with mist and fog in places as winds fall light and variable.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, the weather experts said it will be an overcast day with rain in all areas.
It said: “On Sunday morning the best of the brighter spells will be in the south and east with cloudier conditions and outbreaks of rain gradually extending from the northwest. Becoming overcast in all areas during the afternoon, and while the rain will continue to spread to all parts, the southeast should stay dry till evening.
“Highest temperatures of 9C to 12C in moderate to occasionally fresh westerly winds.
“A cloudy night on Sunday with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, rain heaviest and most persistent in northern and northwestern counties. Not as cold as recent nights, with lowest temperatures of 6C to 8C in moderate westerly winds.”
Temperatures are due to return to average next week with blustery, cloudy or overcast conditions.
Rain or drizzle is expected in the early days of next week, brightening up a little by midweek, but still remaining unsettled and wet at times, Met Eireann said.
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