Blocked pattern to bring dry and settled weather to Ireland

The long-term weather prospects for Ireland are looking extremely positive if it is dry and settled weather you are seeking.

Rainfall totals for the remainder of March and into the first week of April will be below average as high pressure becomes anchored close to or over Ireland.

While the exact positioning of the area of high pressure will determine the extent of any sunshine, latest weather model output suggests low precipitation totals across Ireland from this weekend.

There will be some light rain and drizzle to contend with ahead of this dry spell, with rain becoming widespread on Thursday followed by scattered heavy showers during Friday and into the first half of Saturday.

The remainder of Tuesday and Wednesday will be largely dry apart from some patchy drizzle at times in the far northwest and west.

Temperatures will range 11 to 14°C in fresh, occasionally strong westerly winds. The winds will create a windchill effect to make conditions feel a little colder.

Friday will be coldest day of the week as temperatures struggle to rise above 9 to 10°C.

Overnight frosts are not expected up to the weekend, but temperatures could turn cold enough in sheltered inland locations for frost to form next week.

Conditions will become much more settled from Saturday afternoon through next week, with a mix of cloud and sunny spells for all parts.

Winds will shift to an easterly direction, which will present moderate to good drying conditions.

Temperatures will be close to the average for the time of year, ranging from 11 to 13°C.

Meanwhile, the UK Met Office has hinted at an extended period of largely settled weather.

In its long-term outlook, it says “Slow-moving (or blocked) weather patterns are most likely through the middle of April.”

Check out Your Local Forecast here.