Ireland weather: Mini 'heatwave' to turn to freeze as Met Eireann issues stark warning

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The changeable Irish spring weather is in full swing, bringing everything from rain to sun and back to freezing temperatures, and it's set to remain unsettled with Met Eireann issuing a stark warning that the recent mild conditions are to come to an end.

They have forecast a dramatic drop in temperatures, with frost, colder air and even the possibility of snow making an appearance in the days ahead.

The weekend parts of the country will enjoy a mini 'heatwave' enjoying higher temperatures than parts of Spain, hitting 16C.

However early next week the sunshine will give way to freezing temperatures and frosts.

Met Eireann's latest forecast suggests that from Monday onwards, colder air will push in from the north. While daytime highs will reach around 6C to 8C, temperatures after dark will plummet, dipping as low as -1C with some frosts.

There is even a chance of snow in parts of Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Speaking about the changing weather patterns, the national forecaster explained: "A north-easterly airflow is forecast over Ireland with high pressure slow moving near Iceland, keeping low pressure systems to the south and southeast. This will bring cooler conditions, with temperatures slightly below normal, but also low amounts of precipitation in most areas. Frosty nights and mornings are possible."

Sunday 9th March

Mist and fog tomorrow morning will clear to leave a dry and sunny day. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees generally, a little cooler near southern and eastern coasts, in light, occasionally moderate east or northeast winds.

Dry and mostly clear at first Sunday night. Cloud will build from the north during the night. Mist and fog patches will also develop. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees with light, occasionally moderate northerly winds, freshening in the northwest towards morning.

Monday 10th March

Mist and fog in places with cloud continuing to build from the north with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle following. It will become drier and brighter through the late afternoon and early evening. Turning cooler with highest afternoon temperatures of 8 to 13 degrees for most but cooler for much of Ulster, with moderate to fresh north-easterly winds.

Dry overnight with long clear spells. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +4 degrees in light to moderate north-easterly breezes.

Tuesday 11th March

A mix of cloud and sunny spells with scattered showers moving in from the north through the day. Staying mostly dry for Munster and south Leinster. Highest temperatures of 6 to 8 degrees in a light to moderate northerly wind. The showers will become isolated overnight. Cold with lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees in light northerly or variable breezes.

Wednesday 12th March

Sunny spells with just well scattered light showers. Highest temperatures of 6 to 8 degrees in light to moderate north-easterly breezes.

Indications are that there will continue to be plenty of dry weather through the rest of the week with little change in temperatures.