TODAY is expected to be the “warmest day of the year” so far as weather bosses warn of a major shift in temperatures.
While Ireland sees highs of up to 17C in parts today, forecasters are warning of a dip coming next week.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly in the coming days as more wintry conditions return.
Met Eireann’s Deirdre Lowe said: “Today will bring plenty of spring sunshine and it will be the warmest day of the year so far for many.
“However, a marked change to colder weather is in store for next week with all areas in the cold air by Tuesday.
“And while there will be a lot of dry weather for the week ahead, windward coasts in the north and east in particular will see some showers which could be wintry over the hills.”
TODAY’S FORECAST
Today will see some overnight mist and fog clear off early leaving a much drier day, with long spells of sunshine.
It’s also good news on the temperature front as highs up to 17C will hit in some areas.
Deirdre said: “So for today, overnight mist and fog patches will clear early this morning and dry and very pleasant day will follow with long spells of spring sunshine, especially in the north.
“Highest temperatures of 13C to 17C with light to moderate northeasterly breezes. The best values away from eastern counties and well above the seasonal norm. “
Tonight will again be mostly dry before fog and mist begin to develop.
“It will be dry and mostly cleared first tonight with some mist and fog patches developing.
“However, cloud will build from the north during the night bringing some patchy drizzle to the north coast later.
“Lowest temperatures tonight of 3C to 7C with light to moderate northerly winds freshening in the northwest towards morning.”
NEXT WEEK’S WEATHER
Tomorrow will see a shift begin to start a mix of cloud and sun emerge, and temperatures begin to take a turn.
She continued: “Tomorrow then will bring a mix of cloud and some brighter sunny spells. There will be a little patchy light rain or drizzle but overall a lot of dry weather.
“Milder air hanging on for a time in the south but gradually turning cooler and afternoon temperatures of 8C to 14C with moderate or fresh northeasterly winds.
“The cold air will continue to sink down over the country tomorrow night with a touch of frost by morning.”
Tuesday will see more wintry conditions return as temperatures see a significant drop.
Deirdre said: “A crisp sunny day will follow on Tuesday with highs of just 5C to 8C in a moderate north to northeasterly wind.
“It will be mostly dry on Tuesday but scattered showers will feed into northern parts during the evening and they could turn wintry as they move down over the country on Tuesday night with some icy patches.”
While it will remain colder over the next week, it will be a dry one with only a few showers appearing on Irish shores.
Deirdre added: “Indications are that there will be plenty of dry weather through the rest of the week with little change in temperatures though still a few showers feeding in from the Irish Sea.”
