Possibility of snow as temperatures set to drop below freezing tonight

Temperatures have dropped noticeably in recent days but it could still get a whole lot colder this week as rumour has it that snow is on the way.

Predicting that the weather will take a turn towards the end of the week, Met Éireann said that certain parts of the country may even see sleet and snow ahead of the weekend.

According to the national forecaster, Friday will be a “windy and showery day” with fresh northwest winds and gales developing along the coast. “Turning cold again; some showers will turn to sleet in the evening, with snow possible on higher ground,” a post on the website reads. Afternoon temperatures will range from 3 to 7 degrees. 

The wind will continue into Friday night, with scattered showers across the country – most frequent in the north and west where some will fall as sleet. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees. 

As for the weekend? Expect four seasons in one with everything from sunny spells to snow to outbreaks of rain possible. Standard. Saturday will be “largely dry and bright” though scattered showers will “feed into northern and western coastal areas through the day”. Sleet and snow are also possible on higher ground. Temperatures will range between 4 to 7 degrees, but it will feel “brisk” thanks to a fresh northerly wind “bringing an added wind chill factor”. 

Cloud will build from the Atlantic overnight, bringing rain to the western half of the country. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing too and will reach -2 degrees in places. Sunday will be mostly cloudy again with outbreaks of rain affecting most areas. Conditions are likely to feel milder though and temperatures will reach as high as 10 degrees. 

Friday and the rest of the week are promised wintry, and I’m sorry to say that today and tomorrow are too – so wrap up well if you plan on heading out for a walk at any point. Here’s what Met Éireann had to say about it. 

“A band of rain moves southeastwards across the country this morning, clearing by early afternoon. It will be followed from the northwest by sunny spells and scattered showers for the rest of the day. The showers will be most frequent in the northwest, with isolated hail showers possible. Feeling cold with afternoon temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees. Light to moderate southwest winds will veer northwesterly as the rain clears, becoming strong on northern and western coasts.

The rain will give way to long clear spells for most areas, but scattered showers will later feed in from the north (most frequent in Connacht and Ulster). Lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees though it will generally be less cold over west Connacht and north Ulster.

Tomorrow will start off “dry and bright” with lots of winter sunshine expected and just a few “isolated showers”. You’ll probably need the brolly later though as clouds will soon roll in and bring more frequent showers into the west and northwest by evening. Another cold day with temperatures of 5 to 7 degrees in light to moderate northwesterly winds.

In summary: the weather is liable to change its mind at any given moment so wear lots of layers to ensure you’re prepared for all conditions.