Those planning on spending their St. Patrick’s Day outdoors could be left disappointed after Met Eireann issued its latest forecast for the big day.
This week is bogged down by weather warnings as heavy rain, snow, and ice are due to cause havoc for some counties.
Although wintry conditions have been taking over in recent weeks, a ‘transient’ spell of pleasant weather is on the way in a matter of days.
READ MORE: Bank holidays confirmed in Ireland in 2023 - Full list as March St Patrick’s Day break imminent
According to the monthly weather report released by Irish forecasters, from March 20, “Ireland will lie in a more transient zone where temperatures will return to average across the country, although it will remain a bit unsettled with slightly above average rainfall expected and it may become blustery at times.
“While it may remain a little unsettled it does look like the potential for hazardous weather or warning will be rather low”.
The welcome movement in conditions toward usual Spring weather isn’t set to last long and it is understood that the following week, Ireland will re-enter a low pressure zone with further heavy rainfall expected.
Before that, St. Patrick’s Day is due to bring grim conditions with heavy and prolonged rainfall expected, however, there will be some sunny spells to break it up.
Here’s the five day forecast from Met Eireann:
Today
Widespread showers or longer spells of rain over much of the country today, heavy in places with the chance of spot flooding. Drier in the northwest. Turning colder by evening with some wintry showers in the north. Strong and gusty southwest winds, veering northerly during the course of the day.
Cold and blustery tonight with clear spells and scattered wintry showers, with falls of snow in places. Some of the showers will be heavy with hail and thunder. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +3 degrees in fresh to strong northwest winds. Icy stretches developing on some untreated roads and paths.
Cold on Tuesday night with widespread frost along with some icy stretches. Wintry showers will die out to leave most of the country dry for a time. Lowest temperatures of -4 to zero degrees. Later in the night, rain will develop in the southwest, spreading northwards over the country during Wednesday morning, preceded by sleet or snow for a time in the north.
Wednesday
Wednesday will be a wet day with outbreaks of rain, heavy in places, especially in Munster and Connacht. Some falls of sleet or snow are possible for a time across the northern half of the country.
Maximum afternoon temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees in the north, but ranging 7 to 12 degrees further south, in fresh to strong and gusty south to southeast winds. Mild and breezy on Wednesday night with outbreaks of rain.
Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in fresh southwest winds.
Thursday
A mild and breezy day is expected on Thursday with sunny spells and showers, some heavy and prolonged. Maximum temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in fresh southwest winds.
Scattered outbreaks of rain across the country on Thursday night. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in moderate southerly winds.
Friday (St. Patrick's Day)
Current indications suggest it will be a showery day on St. Patrick's Day. There will be a mix of sunny spells and showers, some of the showers possibly heavy and prolonged.
Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds. A mix of clear spells and showers on Friday night. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees.
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