Deirdre O Meara 
A weather “battleground” is expected to hit Ireland next week as cold and hot air masses are set to clash. Alan O’Reilly, a weather expert from Carlow, has warned that a “brief cold blast” is likely to occur before the hot air “wins out”. The cold air is expected to come from the North, while the warmth will originate from the South. O’Reilly added that while the cold could make it to the Midlands, it is uncertain if it will push back. He also stated that the warmer air is likely to win out eventually.
According to Met Eireann’s forecast, today will be dry and sunny with highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees. A moderate to fresh easterly breeze is also expected. Thursday night will be dry and clear, with lowest temperatures between 3 and 5 degrees. Light easterly breezes will bring a light frost.
Friday will begin mainly dry and sunny. However, cloud cover will increase throughout the morning, with patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle developing in the afternoon and evening. The highest temperatures will be between 10 to 12 degrees, with moderate to fresh easterly winds. Friday night will be mostly cloudy with patchy rain and drizzle. The lowest temperatures will be between 4 to 6 degrees, as light to moderate easterly breezes become northerly by morning.
Saturday will be a mostly cloudy day with showers or longer spells of rain. The highest temperatures will be between 9 or 10 degrees over the northern half of the country, and between 13 and 15 degrees further south with light northerly breezes. Sunday will start off mainly dry with some sunshine, but afternoon showers are expected to develop. Temperatures on Sunday will be between 7 and 9 degrees in the north, and 10 or 11 degrees in the south. There is a potential for frost on Sunday night.
As for Monday, the forecast is uncertain. However, the best indication at the moment suggests it will be mainly dry with sunny spells and just isolated showers. Temperatures will be between 8 and 10 degrees in light northerly winds. The timing of progress of Atlantic frontal systems bearing rain is causing uncertainty for the early days of next week. These systems are expected to arrive in the southwest and move eastwards.
In conclusion, Ireland is expected to experience a weather “battleground” next week, with cold and hot air masses clashing. While a brief cold blast is likely to occur, the warmer air is expected to win out eventually. The forecast for the next few days includes dry and sunny weather, with some outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Showers are also expected on Saturday and Sunday, with a potential for frost on Sunday night. Monday’s forecast remains uncertain, but it is likely to be mainly dry with isolated showers.
