Grim Ireland weather twist could bring wintry showers just days after 26C heat
Met Éireann predict a low pressure swing in the weather next week
Ireland's weather is about to take a turn for the worse after a week of glorious weather coinciding with the National Ploughing Championships in Laois.
Temperatures hit 26C in parts of Ireland on Thursday but by this time next week, we could be in the grips of a low pressure system and a dramatic temperature change.
Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel said: "Enjoy the warm sunshine while it lasts as just beyond the weekend we see a return to much colder temperatures with unsettled weather returning nationwide.
"There will be some particularly cold interludes later next week with temperatures well below average once again for time of year, with some heavy showers returning also.
"Some of the showers may even be wintry in nature over the highest ground, with a chance that some mountain peaks may see their first dusting of snow overnight towards next weekend.
"In the meantime temperatures will climb into the mid twenties in some areas today in what will be the warmest of the present warm spell. Highest temperatures will reach up to 24 degrees generally.
"However, some isolated locations in the west and southwest could well see temperatures of up to 26 or 27 degrees Celsius as a consequence of micrometeorological factors or foehn winds."
Similarly, Carlow Weather forecaster Alan O'Reilly said: "A lot of uncertainty on the weather after Saturday with risk of rain mainly in South on Sunday. Low system around Wednesday could bring wind and rain but more models keep it South too. Turning cooler next week though so check that heating!"
Met Éireann's outlook says: "Heavy showers or longer spells of rain in the east and south on Saturday evening and on Sunday, but otherwise a good amount of dry weather. Maximum temperatures decreasing day by day."
They too predict a low pressure swing in the weather next week. They said next week will bring a "notable change from the relatively dry and warm weather of the preceding week.
"Low pressure will be more dominant than normal bringing rain and showers at times and the potential for some rather windy weather. Mean air temperatures are expected to be near or slightly above the climatological average."