Met Éireann in brutal forecast with 'airmass change' to send temperatures plunging

Met Éireann is predicting a sharp fall in temperatures amid a "change of airmass" impacting Ireland's weather in the coming days.

Next week looks like bringing much colder weather our way with temperatures plunging. Between now and then, conditions are likely to stay unsettled with heavy rain, Met Éireann predicts.

"Remaining unsettled with low pressure feeding in showery conditions or longer spells of rain. Mist or fog in parts too," Met Éireann short-term outlook says.

They add that Tuesday will be largely dry early before the arrival of cloud and rain, which will gradually move up from the southwest.

"Localised heavy falls and spot flooding are possible later. Parts of the north and northeast staying dry for daylight hours. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in moderate to fresh southeasterly winds, stronger along south and west coasts.

"Tonight, rain will extend to remaining areas with scattered heavy showers and clear spells following overnight. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in light southeast breezes. Some mist or fog locally too," forecasters predict.

They say "Thursday will start out with some sunny spells before widespread showers develop; some heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms possible. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in light to moderate south to southwest breezes.

"Scattered showers, some heavy, mainly early on Thursday night. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees in light to moderate southeasterly winds."

Forecasters foresee Friday being "another showery day, with further widespread and heavy, possibly thundery showers. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in moderate southeasterly winds, fresher along south and east coasts.

"Showers will persist overnight, heavy and possibly thundery in places. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in light southeast breezes."

Saturday will bring "further ongoing scattered heavy showers with some bright or sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees in light southeast breezes. .

"More organised bands of heavy persistent rain will move in across the country [on Sunday]. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in variable winds, fresh in places."

Beyond that and into next week, they say: "Current indications suggest it will turn colder as a change of airmass occurs temporarily."

Met Éireann's extended range forecast for next week predicts low pressure to dominate Ireland’s weather.

"Atlantic frontal systems will be steered across the country, bringing spells of rain and showers and the potential for breezy or windy conditions. Rainfall amounts are expected to be well above normal so there is a possibility of weather warnings. Temperatures will be near or slightly above average."