'Snow to fall for many' - Experts pinpoint return to cold weather as temperatures to plunge

Milder weather and sunshine have marked the long-awaited return of Spring across Ireland in the past week but weather experts have now warned a return to cold and bitter weather, heavy rain, wintry showers and 'snow for many' is expected over the coming days.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has pinpointed Thursday and Friday which will see heavy rain and strong winds, particularly Thursday night which will see sleet and snow.

He has warned motorists to be aware of risks on the road due to the weather, which could see the south and the midlands be most affected.

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Meanwhile, Met Éireann has given their five day forecast warning of low pressure that will dominate with rain or showers each day, while a spell of wet and windy weather on Thursday will be followed by a transition to cooler air with wintry hazards possible.

Today

Generally cloudy this morning with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, becoming patchier for a time later in the morning and early afternoon before more persistent rain extends from the west. Becoming breezy with moderate to fresh south or southwest winds developing. Highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees.

Becoming dry for most early on tonight as the rain clears eastwards. Clear spells and scattered showers will follow from the west, mainly affecting Atlantic coastal counties with a chance of hail. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees, with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds easing, allowing some mist patches to form.

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Wednesday

Dry and bright for most tomorrow with spells of sunshine, though scattered showers will continue mainly for Atlantic coastal counties. Patchy cloud will develop through the afternoon with isolated showers extending further east. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees, with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds.

Turning windy with showery outbreaks of rain extending eastwards and southwesterly winds increasing fresh to strong and gusty. The rain will turn more persistent in the northwest towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees.

Thursday

Wet and windy with outbreaks of rain, turning heavy at times, and fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds. Highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees, mildest in the south where the rain will be most persistent.

Generally cloudy with rain clearing early on. Turning colder with showers feeding in from the west, falling as sleet or snow in places. Some frost and ice will form with lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees, in moderate to fresh southwest winds.

Friday

Cool and breezy with sunny spells and scattered showers. The showers will fall as sleet and possibly snow at times. Highest temperatures of just 5 to 8 degrees in fresh and gusty westerly winds.

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Saturday

Likely becoming duller and milder, with cloud and rain extending eastwards across the country. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in moderate southerly winds.

Further outlook

Current indications show a cool day on Sunday with blustery showers.