Deirdre O Meara 
Easter Weekend Weather Forecast for Ireland
As we approach the first big holiday weekend of the year, most of us are planning to either travel or at least get out and about. Met Eireann’s latest forecast today looks at the longer range picture for Ireland, and it’s looking good for the south coast and most of Munster. While it’s still too early to call it for definite, if you were a gambling man (or woman), you’d be fancying the odds on some lovely Easter Weekend weather.
According to the forecast, it won’t exactly be BBQ weather, but it should be dry, mild, and bright for most of the long weekend. The good news is that the more settled, dry conditions that we have seen since the start of April, after a March that saw almost three times the average rainfall for that month fall on Cork, are set to largely continue.
As we move towards the end of the week, we could see an even more settled picture, with a high-pressure system, mild and light south-westerly winds, and long sunny spells on the cards from Friday. We are not heading for an Easter heatwave or anything like it, daytime highs will stay in the mid-teens through the week, but there should be little rain as the week goes on. However, it will remain chilly overnight with temperatures falling to as low as 1-2 degrees in some parts of Cork.
The full forecast from Met Eireann for Munster this lunchtime looks like:
TODAY – Monday 3rd April
A mostly dry day today with a mix of cloud and hazy sunny spells. Some spots of light rain and drizzle will occur, most frequent in the west of the province. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in moderate, occasionally fresh, south to southeast winds, easing by the evening.
TONIGHT
Becoming cloudy over much of the province overnight with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Temperatures there not falling below 4 to 7 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds. Drier in the east of the province with clear spells allowing temperatures to fall between 2 and 4 degrees.
TOMORROW – Tuesday 4th April
A good deal of dry weather tomorrow with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. A few spots of light rain and drizzle will occur. More persistent rain will move into the west of the province during the evening. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in mostly moderate southwest winds.
National Outlook
OVERVIEW: Wet initially before becoming drier with sunny spells. Temperatures around or slightly above the average for the time of year.
Tuesday night:
A wet night as persistent rain extends eastwards across the country by morning, turning heavy in places. Temperatures not falling below 6 to 9 degrees in mostly moderate southerly winds.
Wednesday:
A wet start to the day with widespread rain, heavy in places with localized spot flooding possible. A clearance to sunny spells and scattered showers will develop in the west by early afternoon, gradually extending eastwards across the country by evening as moderate southwesterly winds veer westerly. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.
Wednesday night:
A mix of cloud and clear spells overnight. Mainly dry as well with just a few light showers. Lowest temperatures generally of 1 to 5 degrees in light to moderate west to northwest winds.
Thursday:
Good sunny spells with just a few light showers. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in light to moderate west to northwest breezes. Dry overnight with clear spells. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees with frost forming in places. Light winds will also allow some mist and fog to form.
Friday:
A dry day with plenty of sunny spells, turning hazy at times. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees with moderate southeasterly winds developing.
Next Weekend:
Largely dry with good sunny spells and just some showers. Highest temperatures generally ranging 11 to 13 degrees.
Overall, the forecast looks promising for those looking to enjoy the Easter weekend outdoors. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the latest updates from Met Eireann, as weather conditions can change quickly in Ireland.
