Met Eireann's ray of hope as experts pinpoint 'warmer than average' weather headed for Ireland

Ireland will have to put up with cold weather for a little bit longer but the start of May is shaping up to be "warmer than average", according to Met Eireann.

While many parts of the country could see hail, sleet and even snow over the next 48 hours, there is some hope in the long range forecast.

Coming into the final week of April and into early May, Met Eireann says we will see signals of dominant low pressure.

The forecaster said: “Rainfall totals are forecast to be slightly above normal, whilst mean air temperatures are predicted to be a little warmer than average for May."

As for the next few weeks in April, the national meteorologist service have said that temperatures will gradually improve but predict unsettled showers and periods of rain are to persist.

Based on the low pressure around Ireland, Met Eireann forecast a changeable weather pattern for the coming week, “with cold and showery weather giving way to more mixed conditions during the week with less cold temperatures.”

There will be a very cold start on Monday morning April 12, but temperatures are expected to increase back to their expected ranges for this time of year, during the daytime.

The average air temperature will dip below average in the nights, leading to frosty nights early next week.

Rainfall is expected to be consistent with the national average for the this time of year, “with some rain-bands and showers moving through areas at times.”

On to the week beginning Monday April 19, and there the weather is expected to continue to go through periods of mild days with some unsettled showers and frosty nights.

People enjoying the sun at Portmarnock Beach in Dublin (Colin Keegan/Collins)

A more milder week is expected than that of the previous week, with temperatures remaining or dipping just below the national April average.

Rain is also predicted to be near or below average for the week.

Week three from Monday April 16 remains uncertain with weather patterns, but “there are signs of a continuation of the changeable weather with mixed, often showery weather,” with temperature and rainfall remaining close to the national average.