Ireland back in the ice box with sub-zero temperatures set to return

The mercury looks set to plunge on Thursday with frosty conditions sweeping the country

Sub-zero temperatures are expected to return later this week with the country facing another cold spell, according to the latest weather models.

The mercury looks set to plunge on Thursday with frosty conditions sweeping the country and remaining for a number of days – “or possibly longer”, one weather expert has predicted.

There is some mild weather to be enjoyed before then, however, as Monday will begin brightly and remain largely dry with some patches of light rain developing in the north later.

However, weather expert Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather said things are likely to become less settled as we move towards the return of icy conditions later in the week.

“A nice bright start to the week with a nice Monday morning but cloud will increase from the west through the morning,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Tuesday will start off with a band of heavy rain moving down the country and sunny spells and showers following. Then, a band of heavy rain Tuesday night across the country but clearing Wednesday morning with sunny spells and the odd shower,” he added.

“Turning much cooler from Thursday and likely to stay cool then for a few days or possibly longer with some wintry showers possible on high ground.”

Here’s the outlook for the rest of the week, courtesy of Met Éireann:

Monday

Today will be mainly dry and sunny, clouding in during the afternoon with patches of light rain or drizzle developing in the north later. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in light to moderate westerly winds, becoming southerly and freshening later.

Dry for much of tonight, rain will develop in the west by morning. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees will be early in the night rising overnight. Winds will be fresh to strong southwesterly.

Tuesday

Rain tomorrow morning will extend southeastwards over the country, with the clearance quickly following from the northwest. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with fresh southwest winds, veering moderate to fresh westerly as the rain clears.

Dry at first on Tuesday night, then rain will return from the southwest, turning heavy in places as it extends to all areas through the night. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 6 degrees. Light to moderate southerly winds will increase fresh.

Wednesday

Widespread rain at first on Wednesday will clear eastwards to showers. Breezy with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds will veer westerly with the clearance of the rain introducing much colder weather. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees.

Showers from the west overnight Wednesday night will occasionally fall as sleet or snow. Lowest temperatures 1 or 2 degrees in mainly moderate southwest winds.

Thursday

Sunshine and showers or longer spells of rain on Thursday, most persistent over the western half of the country, turning to sleet and snow at times. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in moderate to fresh southwest winds.

Thursday night will again be cold and frosty in places with showers mostly confined to western coastal areas.

Friday

A cold and showery day on Friday, with showers again turning to sleet and snow at times. Highest temperatures 5 to 7 degrees with moderate westerly winds.

The further outlook suggests the unsettled conditions will continue with the chance of frost at night ongoing.

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