We are about to jump out of the deep freeze and into what will feel like almost springlike conditions – all before we even reach the middle of January.
The seriously cold spell that saw temps fall as low as -8C in at least one part of Munster (Limerick Junction in the early hours of Thursday) is finally about to end as temps will start climbing, albeit slowly, today. And by Monday, Ireland will be seeing highs of around 12C-14C as we enter a period of stable, dry and sunny weather, with a high pressure system bringing prevailing winds from the sunnier South.
Before that, it will be another overcast, chilly and wet day today with lots of rain across Munster, but temperatures will stay above freezing tonight and there should be no widespread frost or ice in the morning.
The full forecast for Munster this morning looks like:
TODAY – Friday 10th January
Overcast today with outbreaks of rain, falling as sleet in places at first with snow on high ground. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees, a little colder in the north and east of Munster. Moderate to fresh southeast winds.
TONIGHT
Cloudy tonight with outbreaks of rain at first. The rain will slowly clear eastwards overnight with a few clear spells possible. Not as cold as previous nights with lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees in a light to moderate southeast breeze.
TOMORROW – Saturday 11th January
Mainly dry with a few bright spells tomorrow morning. Becoming overcast by afternoon with scattered showers spreading from the Atlantic. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees, though it will be milder near coasts, in light to moderate southerly winds.
National Outlook
Overview: Gradually becoming milder through the weekend. Becoming dull with rain and drizzle at times early next week.
Saturday night: A generally cloudy night with a good deal of dry weather, though there will be some patchy drizzle near Atlantic coasts. Some mist and fog will develop too. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees, a little milder near southern coasts in a light to moderate southerly breeze.
Sunday: Overcast with patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle developing over the western half of the country. Staying dry further east. Gradually turning milder through the day with afternoon temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds.
Sunday night: A much milder, breezy night with patchy light rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures early on of 7 to 10 degrees, with temperatures rising overnight in fresh southerly winds.
Monday: Cloudy with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle. Mild with highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in moderate to fresh south to southwest winds.
Tuesday: Dull and cloudy with plenty of dry weather, though a few patches of rain and drizzle will occur. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees in moderate southwesterly winds.
Further outlook: Staying mild with nearby high pressure bringing a good deal of dry weather overall. However, a few patches of light rain and drizzle are possible.