'Don't pack away the big coats' - Experts warn of 'rollercoaster' of temperatures this week

A "rollercoaster" of temperatures is expected this week as experts have warned people in Ireland to not "pack away their big coats" just yet.

Storm Dave passed over the country over the Easter weekend bringing with it strong gusts and heavy rain in parts but temperatures have been climbing and Tuesday and Wednesday are set to see highs of 17 to 18 degrees.

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However, those warmer conditions are set to disappear in a few days as temperatures will drop yet again, particularly at night time, where we will see 2 to 3 degrees in places.

Carlow Weatherman Alan O'Reilly took to social media to warn of the returning cold weather, in which he said,

"Rollercoaster of temperatures ahead so don’t go packing away the big jumpers and coats after Wednesday. You’ll be needing them again later in the week and possibly into the following week."

Rollercoaster of temperatures ahead so don’t go packing away the big jumpers and coats after Wednesday. You’ll be needing them again later in the week and possibly into the following week pic.twitter.com/PmFPz6DFE2

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) April 5, 2026

Meanwhile, Met Éireann have given their five day forecast warning of mixed conditions for the week ahead.

Today

Mostly dry at first this morning, with a mix of cloud and sunny spells, however there'll be showery rain and mist in the west and southwest. This will move northeastwards through the day but parts of the east may stay dry.

The rain will turn heavy at times and thunderstorms are possible later this morning and this afternoon. Mild with highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in moderate southeast winds, easing mostly light and variable later.

Mostly dry but cloudy overall tonight, with limited clear spells. Areas of mist and fog will form in light variable breezes. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees, possibly a little colder in the northwest.

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Wednesday

Dry for most with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Cloud will build from the west through the afternoon with rain and drizzle moving into western coastal counties in the evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees, coolest near Atlantic coasts, in light to moderate southwesterly breezes.

Overnight, outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the west will move eastwards, with clear spells and scattered showers following. Turning cooler behind the rain with lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees in moderate westerly winds.

Thursday

Any lingering rain in the east soon clearing. Otherwise, sunny spells and scattered showers, some turning heavy and possibly thundery with the chance of hail, before becoming more isolated through the evening. Cooler than previous days with highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in fresh and gusty westerly winds, easing later.

Friday

Looks like a windy and blustery day with fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds. Outbreaks of rain in the west will turn heavy and persistent at times, before spreading eastwards later in the day. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in moderate to fresh southwesterly winds.

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Further outlook

Current indications suggest there will be further rain and hail showers over the weekend, but some drier and brighter interludes in the mix also. Turning a bit cooler with some frost by night.