Temperatures are set to fall this week with the possibility of scattered showers turning wintry, according to Met Eireann.

Today, Monday, is set to be cold and breezy, with the possibility of some bright or sunny spells developing.

Scattered showers are expected to turn fairly widespread by the afternoon. Many of these showers are likely to be heavy, with the possibility of some hail and thunder also.

Temperatures are forecast to range from 7 to 10 degrees; in fresh and gusty westerly winds, which will be strong along Atlantic coasts.

It is set to turn cold quickly after dark with frost setting in early tonight. Widespread showers are forecast too, with some falling as sleet and snow.

These showers are expected to be heaviest and most frequent in the western half of the country. A few centimetres of rain are likely, especially on high ground.

Temperatures are set to drop to around freezing; while there is also a danger of some icy patches developing.

In the early part of the week, opportunities for both drying and spraying will be few and far between due to the wet and blustery conditions.

However, conditions are set to improve by next weekend, according to Met Eireann.

Well-drained soils are trafficable in most areas at present and will continue to be over the next week. But moderate and poorly-drained soils will remain saturated or waterlogged, it added.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is forecast to be a cold day. Some bright or sunny spells are set to develop, but further sleet or snow showers are expected in the morning.

These wintry showers are likely to turn to rain in the afternoon.

It is forecast to be windy early on, making it feel extra cold in the morning; but the strong west to southwest winds will ease gradually.

Top temperatures of only 4 to 7 degrees are expected. Conditions are set to turn relatively dry, apart from a few showers along the Atlantic coast.

It is forecast to be very cold overnight, with a severe frost under clear skies in little or no wind, as temperatures drop to as low as -4 degrees.

Outlook

Both Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be cold with moderate to fresh northerly winds, which will make it feel extra cold.

Conditions are forecast to be mainly dry on both days; with sunny spells and just a few showers.

On Thursday showers are likely to turn wintry on high ground in the east.

Frost is set to develop on Wednesday and Thursday nights, as daytime temperatures range from 6 to 9 degrees at best, according to Met Eireann.

Early indications for Friday and next weekend suggest that it will be dry and bright in most areas with slack winds.

It is also likely to become milder during the day; but nights will stay cold with an ongoing chance of frost.