Met Éireann reveals St Patrick’s weekend weather twist with temperatures set to plunge

A settled but chilly St. Patrick’s weekend is on the horizon for Ireland, with Met Éireann predicting largely dry conditions but cold nights across the country in some good news for parade-goers.

While rain will mostly hold off, temperatures will remain on the lower side, particularly at night when frost and icy patches are expected.

According to the national forecaster, much of the weekend will be dominated by high pressure, keeping rain at bay and bringing a mix of sunshine and cloud. However, temperatures are not set to rise much above 10 degrees at best and cold, crisp mornings will be a feature of the weekend.

On Saturday, early frost will give way to a mostly dry day with sunny spells, while Sunday is expected to be similar, with the best of the sunshine in the east and northeast.

St. Patrick’s Day on Monday is likely to be cloudier than the days prior, with a chance of isolated showers, particularly in eastern and southern counties. While it will feel cool, with highs of just 7 to 10 degrees, the dry conditions should provide ideal weather for parades and celebrations nationwide.

Beyond the bank holiday, Tuesday and Wednesday will remain dry with sunny spells, though some patchy rain is expected to return to the west and northwest midweek.

Despite the cooler conditions, it looks to be a relatively settled St. Patrick’s weekend of festivities ahead, with overnight temperatures set to drop to as low as -3 degrees - so those heading out early in the morning or staying out late should wrap up.

Here’s what to expect across the weekend:

Saturday, March 15

A cold and frosty start will clear for a largely dry day, with spells of sunshine and some patchy cloud. Isolated light showers are possible, but they will be few and far between. Temperatures will range from 7 to 10 degrees, with the mildest conditions in the south. Winds will remain light and variable.

Saturday night will be particularly cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as -3 degrees where skies clear. Frost and icy patches may form, especially in rural areas and the northeast.

Sunday, March 16

Frost will clear quickly in the morning, leading to another mostly dry day. A mix of sunshine and cloud is expected, with the best of the sunshine in the east and northeast. Isolated showers could develop in eastern and southern counties, but overall, conditions will be good for outdoor celebrations. Highs of 8 to 11 degrees are forecast, with light easterly breezes making it feel slightly cooler.

Sunday night will be largely dry again, with temperatures falling between 0 and 5 degrees, bringing the possibility of more frost in some areas.

Monday, March 18 (St. Patrick’s Day)

Monday is expected to be cloudier than previous days, with a few scattered showers developing, particularly along the south coast. Despite this, most areas will remain dry, with occasional bright spells. It will be another cool day, with highs of 7 to 10 degrees, though a brisk easterly wind will add to the chill factor.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday will be breezy but mostly dry, with good spells of sunshine expected. Highs will range between 7 and 11 degrees, with fresh east to southeast winds. By midweek, cloudier conditions will develop, bringing patchy rain to the west and northwest. However, temperatures are expected to rise slightly, with milder weather arriving towards Thursday and Friday.

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