Met Eireann give weather update as big temperature drop set to hit the country

Met Eireann say to expect "wintry showers."

The unusually balmy February weather Ireland has been experiencing is set to come to a shuddering halt this week. Whilst temperatures are set to rise to an unseasonal high of 14 degrees, Met Eireann says that the mild weather will be short-lived. From Tuesday onwards, the weather is set to shift to more familiar February conditions, with the state forecaster stating that wintry showers, freezing temperatures, hail and fog are on the way, leading to frost and ice at times next week. In releasing its weekly forecast, Met Eireann also said that the remainder of the weekend, Monday and Tuesday should remain mild despite being slightly dull and damp. The forecaster said: "This morning will be largely dry under mostly cloudy skies, although there will be some spots of drizzle. The best of any sunny spells today will be in Munster or Leinster. More widespread patchy rain or drizzle will develop in Atlantic counties later this afternoon". Regarding the start of the coming week, Met Eireann said that Monday would be: "Overall cloudy with limited sunny spells. Breezy at times with moderate, occasionally fresh, west to southwest winds. Mild with highest temperatures of 11C to 14C". Whilst people should expect "some brief sunny spells on Tuesday but generally cloudy again with dry spells and occasional drizzle. More persistent rain however will develop in the west in the afternoon, and track eastwards over the country through the evening and early night." Met Eireann stated the weather would take a turn for the worst on Tuesday evening, as the wintery conditions begin to settle in.  "Temperatures will fall close to freezing after the rain clears with potential for some frost or ice." Wednesday is set to be the coldest day of the week, with temperatures plummeting to between -1C and 3C. Wintery showers are a possibility in western and northern coastal areas. Whilst Thursday and Friday are set to be marginally warmer, Met Eireann says that: "Frost is likely as temperatures fall near freezing in many parts."