Spring freeze to thaw as wild weather takes another dramatic turn: Met Éireann

TEMPERATURES plummeted to just above zero in parts of Kilkenny last night as the Spring freeze we’ve weathered in recent days tightened its icy grip on the country.

And motorists have been urged to slow down this morning as frost and ice patches make driving conditions hazardous in hilly areas of the county.

But good news is in store for weather watchers after Met Éireann predicted the mercury will rise again early next week – with temperatures of up to 16C expected on Monday.

The national forecaster said: “The easterly flow looks set to continue into the early days of next week bringing a mix of dry bright weather and showers.

“The showers will be most prevalent over eastern counties. Monday looks to be the mildest day with highs of 13 to 16 degrees, winds will become fresher on Tuesday bringing temperatures back to between 11 and 14 degrees.”

However, the outlook for today is pretty bleak, with more heavy showers forecast for Kilkenny and the rest of Leinster, and temperatures rising to highs of just 6C and 7C.

Met Éireann predicted: “Some bright or short sunny spells on Thursday but mostly cloudy with further showers. Again the showers will be heavy in places with a slight risk of hail and thunder. Some will be prolonged also.

“Highs of 6 or 7 Celsius in moderate to fresh and gusty northeast winds, which will veer easterly during the afternoon.”