Met Eireann has forecast a “disturbed” week of weather for Ireland as low pressure dominates.
The Arctic blast that engulfed the country last week is set to return for a time, with areas in the north and west to be hit worst.
Wintry showers of sleet and snow, subzero temperatures and heavy rain with the chance of hail and thunder are forecast up until Wednesday.
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Milder air will take over from Thursday, but with low pressure dominating, above average rain is forecast.
The national forecaster also refused to rule out weather warnings as St Patrick’s Day approaches.
Commenting on this week’s weather, it said: “Low pressure will dominate with an initial southwesterly airflow becoming more northerly as the week progresses. Above average rainfall is expected across the country. Northern parts will, on average, have temperatures slightly below average while southern parts will return closer to average.
“With a rather disturbed picture for the week, rain and perhaps wind warnings are possible, while winter warnings can’t be ruled out especially in the north and northwest.”
Giving a day by day breakdown, Met Eireann continued: “Widespread showers or longer spells of rain on Monday, heavy in places with the chance of spot flooding. After a mild start, colder air will move in across the northwest of the country by afternoon. Turning colder in all areas by evening with the possibility of some wintry showers in the north. Afternoon highs of 4C to 8C in the north and 9C to 12C in the south. Strong and gusty southwest winds, veering northerly during the course of the day.
“Cold and blustery Monday night 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 -2C to 3C in fresh to strong northwest winds. Icy stretches developing on some untreated roads and paths.
“Any icy start in many areas on Tuesday. It will be a cold and breezy day with sunny spells and showers, many of the showers will be wintry with the chance of hail and thunder. Highest temperatures of 4C to 7C in fresh and gusty northwest winds.
“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 -4C to 0C. 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 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 in north Ulster. Maximum afternoon temperatures of 2C to 6C in Ulster, but ranging 7C to 11C elsewhere, in fresh to strong and gusty south to southeast winds.
“Mild and breezy on Wednesday night with outbreaks of rain. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 10C in fresh southwest winds.
“A mild and breezy day is expected on Thursday with sunny spells and showers, some heavy and prolonged. Maximum temperatures of 12C to 15C in fresh southwest winds.
“Scattered outbreaks of rain across the country on Thursday night. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 10C in moderate southerly winds.
“Current indications suggest Friday 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 12C to 15C in moderate to fresh southerly winds.
“A mix of clear spells and showers on Friday night. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 9C.
“Low pressure is expected to be positioned over Ireland for the weekend bringing showery conditions.”
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