Temperatures to dip as wintry conditions sweep over NI this week
Last updated 24th Mar 2026
Forecasters have warned that conditions are expected to turn colder and wetter this week, as more unsettled weather spreads following last week’s early taste of spring.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “After a spell of mild and brighter weather, the UK will turn increasingly unsettled in the coming days. A series of weather fronts will bring periods of rain, strong winds and much colder air by midweek. Wednesday could be quite a shock to the system.
“Temperatures will range from 6°C to 10°C, but it will feel closer to low single figures for many areas in the wind. Wintry showers are likely, especially over higher ground in the north, and a widespread frost – with icy patches for some – is possible on Wednesday night. It should be a little milder again by the end of the week, with many areas seeing another spell of rain on Friday.”
The Met Office have forecast that by Wednesday, it will feel markedly colder across all parts, with rain, sleet and hail showers potentially quite widely, and snow likely over higher ground in the north.
Elsewhere, it will be a blustery day and although there is some sunshine on offer, it will feel cold thanks to the wind chill.
Most places remain dry with sunny spells on Thursday, although cloud and rain pushes into Northern Ireland and western parts later on.
Northern Ireland's five-day forecast 👇
This Evening and Tonight: A cloudy evening with scattered showers, which may be heavy. Overnight will be mostly cloudy with showers continuing, turning wintry and increasingly to snow on hills. Colder than last night. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with some bright or sunny spells and blustery, wintry showers, which may be heavy at times. Winds strong at times. Feeling colder. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: A dry, bright start Thursday with light winds before rain spreads east later in the day. Frequent showers on Friday and Saturday with some bright spells and winds strengthening.