Before then, chance for another cold spell
Blackrock Castle in the sunshine
Met Éireann has signalled potential for weather change, as forecasters track a series of low-pressure systems set to bring unsettled, wet, windy and colder weather our way. Winter may not be behind us just yet, as while we should see the mercury hit the double digits in a milder week ahead, there is potential for temperatures to take a turn for the colder by the end of next week.
In more positive news, the national forecaster has issued its latest long-range weather forecast, pinpointing when we should see the first signs of Spring weather. Met Éireann predicts that by the end of this month and into March, higher pressure should be a “more dominant feature of the weather over Ireland and northern Europe,” with below average rain and warmer temperatures – a much welcome change after a freezing cold January and washout start to February.
From Monday, February 23, there are “tentative signs” of more settled conditions, with warmer days, sunshine and less rain than previous weeks.
The Monthly Forecast was issued yesterday, and while Met Éireann says it should not be used for specific planning purposes due to the “chaotic nature” of changing weather systems, it gives a good insight into what to expect from the weather in general over the coming four weeks. From Monday, “Low Pressure will continue to be the main driver of Ireland’s weather during the week, bringing unsettled weather conditions. “
READ MORE: 8pm sunsets in Ireland just weeks away as 2026 to see earlier clock changeREAD MORE: Shoppers snapping up ‘super comfy’ Friends Like These trainers perfect for Spring and under €50MONTHLY FORECAST:Week 1 (Monday 09 February to Sunday 15 February) Low Pressure will continue to be the main driver of Ireland’s weather during the week, bringing unsettled weather conditions. Precipitation totals are expected to continue above average across the country, especially in the east and south. After a relatively mild start to the week there is the possibility for colder conditions towards the end of the week.Week 2 (Monday 16 February to Sunday 22 February) At Forecast Week 2, there remains a signal for Low Pressure to be a dominant feature of Ireland’s weather, with the likelihood of conditions staying unsettled. Precipitation totals are expected to remain above the climatological average. Mean air temperatures are forecast to be near the seasonal average.Week 3 (Monday 23 February to Sunday 01 March) At Forecast Week 3, there are tentative signs that High Pressure will have a greater influence over Ireland’s weather, bringing more settled conditions than in the preceding weeks. Precipitation amounts are expected to be close to the climatological average. There is a trend in the forecast for above-average temperatures.Week 4 (Monday 02 March to Sunday 08 March) At Forecast week 4, there is a slight trend towards High Pressure being the more dominant feature of the weather over Ireland and northern Europe. Rainfall amounts are forecast to be below the March weekly average. There is an equal likelihood of temperatures being above or below normal.
Looking closer to home, after a miserably wet week with flooding and cold days, Cork should see a mostly dry weekend with some bright spells too, before another unsettled week turning colder as the week goes on.
Here’s the regional forecast for Munster :Today: Cloudy but dry for most with just isolated showers. Highest temperatures of 8 to 10 degrees in a light easterly breeze.Tonight: Cloudy and mostly dry tonight with isolated showers. Mist and fog will develop in light variable winds or near calm conditions. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees with a touch of frost possible.Tomorrow: Mainly dry tomorrow with just the odd shower. After a cloudy and misty start with patches of fog, sunny spells will develop through the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees in a light southerly or variable breeze.Sunday night: A good deal of dry weather at first with clear spells and scattered showers. Cloud will thicken from the southwest overnight with patchy rain and drizzle developing in the south and southwest towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees in light east to southeast winds.Monday: Cloudy with scattered outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards across the country, turning more persistent in Ulster later. Highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees in moderate southeast winds.Monday night: Remaining cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle continuing. A milder night with the lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in moderate southeast winds.Tuesday: A dull and wet day with spells of rain spreading across the country from the southwest. Highest temperatures of 7 degrees in the north to 12 degrees in the south in moderate to fresh southeast winds.Wednesday: Another rather wet day with further outbreaks of rain. Possibly brightening up in the south through the day with scattered showers developing, some of which may be heavy. Cool in northern areas with the highest temperatures of 5 to 7 degrees, but milder elsewhere with highs of 8 to 12 degrees. Light to moderate southwesterly or variable winds.Further outlook: Current indications suggest that, while there is potential for further rain or showers, it will turn colder for a time through Thursday and Friday with longer dry spells developing.