Met Eireann forecasts temperatures to plummet as Ireland braced for snow this week

Temperatures across Ireland are set to plummet with snow set to land later this week, according to Met Eireann's forecast.

After a mild week, Met Eireann predicts that temperatures across the country are set to dip this week before sleet and snow arrive.

From Wednesday onwards, the cold snap is set to return with temperatures dropping as low as 1 degree before sleet and snow hit.

According to the national forecaster, today will be mainly dry with sunny spells, clouding in during the afternoon with patches of light rain or drizzle developing in the north later. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in light to moderate westerly winds, becoming southerly and freshening later

It will be dry for much of tonight, with rain developing in the west by morning. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees will be early in the night rising overnight. Winds will be fresh to strong southwesterly.

Tuesday, February 20

Rain tomorrow morning will extend southeastwards over the country, with the clearance quickly following from the northwest. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with fresh southwest winds, veering moderate to fresh westerly as the rain clears.

Dry at first on Tuesday night, then rain will return from the southwest, turning heavy in places as it extends to all areas through the night. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 6 degrees. Light to moderate southerly winds will increase fresh.

Wednesday, February 21

Widespread rain at first on Wednesday will clear eastwards to showers. Breezy with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds will veer westerly with the clearance of the rain introducing much colder weather. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees.

Showers from the west overnight Wednesday night will occasionally fall as sleet or snow. Lowest temperatures 1 or 2 degrees in mainly moderate southwest winds.

Thursday, February 22

Sunshine and showers or longer spells of rain on Thursday, most persistent over the western half of the country, turning to sleet and snow at times. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in moderate to fresh southwest winds.

Thursday night will again be cold and frosty in places with showers mostly confined to western coastal areas.

Friday, February 23

A cold and showery day on Friday, with showers again turning to sleet and snow at times. Highest temperatures 5 to 7 degrees with moderate westerly winds.

The further outlook suggests the unsettled conditions will continue with the chance of frost at night ongoing.