Ireland Prepares for Arctic Blast as Meteorologists Warn Temperatures Will Plunge Below Freezing Across the Country Later This Week

Ireland is gearing up for a noticeable drop in temperatures as an arctic blast tracks southwards, bringing the possibility of frost, ice, and a sharp chill across the country.

Forecasters are warning that later this week could feel more like the depths of winter than mid-February.

Tuesday Kicks Off with Dull and Drizzly Weather

The week begins under a grey sky.

On Tuesday, rain and drizzle will creep northeastwards, accompanied by patches of mist and fog, making for damp and gloomy conditions.

While the southwest may see a brief break with drier spells, scattered showers are expected elsewhere.

Temperatures on Tuesday will range from 6 to 12 degrees Celsius, with the mildest spots in the southwest.

Light to moderate variable winds will keep the air feeling calm but chilly.

Wednesday Remains Gloomy with Some Bright Interludes

Wednesday doesn’t bring much relief.

Ulster will experience more persistent rain and drizzle in the morning, while scattered showers and limited bright spells develop further south.

Highs will hover between 5 and 11 degrees Celsius, coolest across Ulster, and winds will shift from light to moderate southwesterlies, eventually becoming lighter and variable.

Overall, a dull and damp day is expected.

Thursday Sees a Transition Toward Colder Conditions

Thursday is set to be a cloudy and damp day nationwide.

Outbreaks of rain and drizzle will continue, but a change in wind direction to the north will start the country on a colder trajectory.

The southern half of Ireland can expect highs of 7 to 10 degrees, while the north will struggle with just 3 to 6 degrees.

Moderate northerly winds will pick up through the day, signalling the start of the brief cold snap.

Thursday night will see temperatures dropping sharply, particularly in areas cleared from rain.

Frost and ice will likely develop, with temperatures dipping as low as -3 to +1 degrees Celsius.

Some southern regions may remain slightly milder depending on how quickly the cloud clears.

Friday Brings Bright but Freezing Weather

Friday looks brighter, with mostly dry conditions and cold air firmly in place.

Light showers, including the possibility of wintry ones in northern counties, will feed in from the north.

Daytime highs will be limited to just 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a light to moderate northerly breeze.

Frost and ice will remain a concern, especially during early morning commutes.

Saturday Starts Bitterly Cold Before Wet Weather Moves In

Saturday begins very cold, with widespread frost and icy patches forming overnight and into the morning.

Daytime temperatures will only reach 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.

However, conditions will deteriorate during the second half of the day as wet and breezy weather spreads in from the west.

Northern counties could see wintry precipitation mixed with rain, while winds shift from light southerlies to fresh and strong by evening.

What’s Next

Ireland will experience a brief period of bright, cold, and mostly dry conditions thanks to northerly winds, but forecasters caution that unsettled weather will return over the weekend.

Drivers, pedestrians, and local authorities are being advised to prepare for icy roads, slippery pavements, and potential disruptions caused by frost and wintry showers.

Summary

Ireland faces a multi-day spell of cold, damp, and occasionally icy conditions, with temperatures dropping below freezing later in the week.

Tuesday and Wednesday are largely dull and rainy, Thursday marks the start of a cold snap, and Friday will be bright but freezing.

Saturday begins icy before wet and breezy weather spreads across the country. Authorities warn that frost, ice, and scattered wintry showers may pose hazards as the arctic blast sweeps in.