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Met Éireann warns of snow as cold snap forecasted for this weekend

Published 11:36 11 Mar 2022 GMT

Updated 11:40 11 Mar 2022 GMT

Tara Trevaskis Hoskin

Met Éireann warns of snow as cold snap forecasted for this weekend

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There is a chance of snow this weekend as temperatures are to drop as low -3C.

Thunderstorms, hail, and sleet are to hit Ireland this weekend nationwide. As temperatures plummet frost and ice will set in making for dangerous conditions. Met Éireann says there is a possibility for snowfall on Friday and Saturday night with areas on the higher ground more likely to be subject to some snow. The bad weather has started this morning with showers spreading across the country northeastwards turning heavy in some places with a risk of surface spot flooding.

Thunderstorms and hail are expected to follow the rainy spell with temperatures then rising to 7-12 degrees. A forecaster from Met Éireann has said; "Heavy showers will gradually become confined to the north and west, with the chance hail, or sleet on higher ground. "Long clear spells will develop elsewhere, while there will still be a chance of isolated showers. Lowest temperatures of -1 to 4C, coldest over Munster, with frost and some icy patches developing. Patchy mist and fog will develop also in light to occasionally moderate westerly or variable breezes." On Saturday morning it is set to clear over Ulster but heavy showers are set to continue over the south with some of these expected to turn to sleet. "On Saturday morning some lingering showers in Ulster will gradually clear northwards. Otherwise, a good deal of dry and bright weather to start." "However, cloud will spread from the south through the late morning as light to moderate variable winds backs southeast to east strengthening as heavy outbreaks of rain extend from the south through the afternoon and evening." The rainy weather is expected to stay through Saturday night and temperatures are to drop again from 1C to 6C. It is expected that some of this rain may turn to sleet on higher ground. The lowest temperatures however are expected on Sunday night hitting as low as -3C in some parts but the showers and cold conditions are expected to die out after this.