It's been a very nice 7 days of weather with a southeast airflow and high pressure dominating Ireland and sitting across the country. The past few days it's also turned that bit warmer with temperatures up to 18C in some places which is above average for Ireland for the time of year.

This weekend high pressure will stay in place across Ireland bringing dry weather for all areas. This weekend will also see glorious sunshine which will be an added bonus and temperatures will range between 13C to 17C warmest in western, north-western and central parts of Ireland.

Turning colder next week with a northerly airflow

As we head into next week there are likely to be some big changes with the weather especially with temperatures set to turn much cold with a northerly airflow looking likely from Wednesday next week. Rather than April starting of with spring like weather it looks set to start of with a winter feel with some wintry showers possible from Wednesday and over the end of next week and possibly next weekend. Temperatures are also set to be below 0C next week with widespread freezing conditions possible during the nights leading to icy and frosty conditions. Gardeners should be aware of this possible change especially for young plants. Even with the forecast showing some wintry showers there is currently a chance many areas will see mostly dry, sunny and cold conditions. The high chance of wintry showers will mainly be in the north and east but this will become more clear over this weekend.

**Potentially turning very cold at the end of next week and over next weekend with a widespread sharp to severe frost**

ORANGE GORSE FIRE WARNING THIS WEEKEND

Warning Effective From 1200hrs 24/03/2022

Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 28/03/2022

Arising from current high pressure dominated weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. An increase in fire risk can be expected through the coming weekend as these conditions persist. Current ignition risks appear to be mainly associated burning of vegetation in upland areas. Fire behaviour and rates of spread are likely to be influenced by lower daytime humidity levels and light to moderate wind speeds during the lifespan of this warning. Wind speeds may exceed 20km/h is some areas at times and higher windspeeds will increase suppression requirements where these occur.