Weather in Ireland: Met Eireann warns, major weather changes will occur in winter

Met Eireann has warned temperatures are set to plummet over the coming days as the first signs of winter appear.

The national forecaster says it will feel “chilly” at times, with temperatures falling as low as 5C overnight.

In its latest weather forecast, the meteorological service also says it will be unsettled, with heavy and thundery rain as well as strong winds.

According to Met Eireann's forecast for today, winds will pick up later and becoming colder at night.

"Today will be mainly dry with periods of sunlight and only sporadic showers," it predicted. With the potential of wave overtopping along the west and northwest coasts, the highest temperatures will range from 13 to 15 degrees Celsius in light to moderate southwest breezes that will pick up in the evening. 

It was breezy overnight, and as the westward-moving clouds built, rain started to fall over Connacht, west Munster, and west Ulster. generally still dry further east. Southerly winds will become more brisk, gusty, and occasionally strong around the coast. 6 to 11 degrees Celsius at its coldest.

Tomorrow looks to be another rainy day with low temperatures and thunderous rain predicted for the evening.

"Wet and breezy at start with fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds with rain extending eastward to all areas, developing heavy at times," the national forecaster warned. As the rain gradually clears southeastward with winds shifting northwesterly and diminishing, mostly dry and sunny conditions will move in from the northwest in the afternoon. maximum temperatures between 12 and 15 °C.

Early overnight, the southeast will receive its last showers before turning primarily dry and clear. Minimum temperature will be 5 to 9°C with light to moderate westerly winds becoming fresh from north and north-westerly at times and few showers which may be heavy or thundery over the beaches.

The weather service issued the following forecast for the week ahead: "A chance of rain and showers at times. Nice dry spells, especially Monday and Wednesday. As the week ends, the weather becomes more unsettled."

Giving the daily forecast it continued: “Monday will be a largely dry day with some sunny spells in the north and isolated showers. Highs 12C to 15C with light to moderate westerly winds.

"Throughout the night, it will be mostly cloudy with occasional showers and light drizzle. Eastern parts of the country will experience minimum temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees Celsius with light southwesterly winds.

Tuesday was primarily cloudy with intermittent drizzle and rain, with the west and north experiencing the heaviest and most prolonged showers in the afternoon and evening. Maximum temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees Celsius, light winds blowing from the south or south-west, bringing freshness to the Atlantic coast in the evening.

"Overnight will be mostly cloudy with more bursts of rain, some heavy falls possible. Minimum temperatures between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius, with fresh winds from the southwest.

“A mostly damp and cloudy morning on Wednesday with outbreaks of rain, clearing eastwards through the morning and followed by sunshine and showers. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C in light to moderate northwest.