A mixed bag of elements for the first week of 2022...
Happy New Year.
Let's talk weather.
Specifically, the weather for the first week of January as we all return to work and try and put the vast majority of 2021 behind us.
Some brightness and sunshine can only help, right?
How about some freezing temperatures?
Met Éireann's national forecast for the week is kind of a 'greatest hits' of January weather, so act accordingly.
Monday (3 January) should bring a mix of bright spells and scattered showers, with maximum afternoon temperatures ranging between 7 and 10 degrees but turning colder across north Ulster over time.
Monday evening will see showery rain push southwards over the country, with clearer but much colder conditions anticipated across northern counties as the rain eases.
Falls of sleet and hill snow are possible for a short time across parts of south Leinster and east Munster. Expect a generally cold night, with patches of frost and ice for company in some areas.
Lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees are forecast.
Tuesday, meanwhile, looks like a cold and bright day as the frost clears in the morning.
According to the national forecaster, long sunny spells are on the horizon with just a smattering of rain or hail showers occurring across east Ulster.
Maximum daytime temperatures will range between 4 and 7 degrees.
Tuesday night will stay dry with clear skies and lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees.
Widespread sharp frost is expected to develop, with the chance of light rain hitting the southwest of the country towards Wednesday morning.
Speaking of Wednesday, it'll be another cold and frosty kick-off, though sunny spells are expected.
It should be a mostly dry affair with occasional showers found in coastal areas.
Temperatures will be highest in the afternoon, ranging from 4 to 6 degrees.
During the evening, rain will develop on western coasts before spreading eastwards overnight, alongside some strong southerly winds.
Met Éireann warns that the rain will be particularly heavy in places, with localised flooding a possibility.
Lowest temperatures on Wednesday night of zero to -2 degrees, coldest in the eastern half of the county early in the night.
Thursday sounds windy enough, with rain clearing eastwards through the morning followed by widespread blustery showers of rain, sleet and hail. Lovely.
Highest afternoon temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees early in the day sounds alright, but it will turn cold once again as the rain eases off.
Friday will be mainly dry for the majority of the country for most of the day, with showers confined to western and northern coastlines.
Daytime temperatures of between 5 and 7 degrees are expected, dropping to between 2 and 4 degrees overnight.
Early indications for Saturday suggest a wet and breezy day, with Sunday set to be "drier and calmer", according to the forecaster.
January, in other words.
