Met Éireann warns of major change with frost and icy conditions set to return to Ireland

Ireland is in for a significant weather shift as Met Éireann has forecast a return to much colder conditions next week, with frost and icy patches expected to make a comeback after a mild spell.

While the next few days will remain relatively warm, temperatures are set to dip sharply early next week, marking a stark contrast to the spring-like conditions of recent days.

Today, Thursday, will be mostly cloudy with some mild sunny spells in the east. Rain and drizzle will push in across the country's western half during the afternoon and evening. It will be a breezy day with moderate to fresh southerly winds, and temperatures will remain above average, reaching 11 to 14 degrees.

Tonight, we will see scattered rain and drizzle in southern and eastern counties, with lows of 6 to 9 degrees. However, areas further north and west will be colder, with temperatures dropping between 1 and 5 degrees under broken clouds. Mist and fog are also expected to develop as winds ease.

Friday will start on a bright note in the northwest, but it will soon turn dull with mist, fog, and patchy drizzle. Showery rain will gradually push up from the south, becoming heavier later in the day. Temperatures will stay on the mild side, with highs of 10 to 13 degrees in moderate east to southeast breezes.

Saturday will be wet and breezy to begin, with widespread rain clearing northwestward later in the day. A brief dry spell will follow before another band of rain arrives in the south by evening. It will be very mild, with temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees, particularly in the west.

Sunday is set to be the last of the milder days, with plenty of dry conditions and sunny spells. However, there is a risk of some showery rain in the southwest. Temperatures will range from 12 to 16 degrees again, but a noticeable shift will be on the way.

From Monday onwards, temperatures will take a tumble, bringing a much colder feel to the air. Daytime highs will drop to between 8 and 13 degrees, with a brisk northeast wind making it feel even chillier.

Looking ahead, Met Éireann has warned that night-time temperatures will plummet, returning frost and icy conditions. 

"Overall dry but cool by day and cold by night with a return to frost and icy conditions," the forecaster commented.

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