Weather experts predicting that Ireland will be hit by a 'cold artic airmass' later this week bringing freezing temperatures, frost and hail

By Kim O'Leary

Met Eireann is predicting that a 'cold artic airmass' will affect Ireland heading into the bank holiday weekend, with a risk of dropping temperatures, frost, and even hail in some areas with temperatures possibly dropping as low as -4C this weekend.

The week will start off relatively mild with dry conditions and highs of 14C, but it will turn bitterly cold from Thursday night onwards.

From Thursday night onwards, it is expected that there will be a dramatic change in the weather.

Met Eireann said: "A cold front will approach the northwest coast early on Thursday night with rain becoming persistent in the north and west early in the night. The cold front and associated rainfall will then sweep southeastwards during the night introducing a much colder arctic airmass across the country."

Friday will also see some heavy rain showers and the national forecaster warned there's a risk of hail and thunder.

However, today will be another dry, bright day for Kildare with good spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures between 13 to 15 degrees in fresh westerly winds.

Tonight will be dry and clear with lows of 6 to 8 degrees, with a risk of fog patches developing in places around dawn.

Thursday: Still largely dry for most places but increasing cloud across Ulster and Connacht will bring patchy rain /drizzle during the day. Highs of 11 to 13 degrees in westerly breezes. Rain will spread southwards from Ulster during the evening /night with cold northerly winds developing across the country.

Friday: A cold and bright day with gusty northerly winds. Showers will be frequent across north-Ulster and Connacht and down parts of the west coast. Through the bulk of the country the showers will be more isolated and there will be long dry periods. Highs of 8 to 10 degrees. Clear and cold overnight with widespread frost and lows of 0 to 3 degrees