Ireland’s mild winter has come to an end as the Irish meteorological service warns that the country will be hit by a big freeze. The highest temperature in Ireland was recorded at Shannon Airport (13.1C /55.6F), on 3rd January, however, temperatures are now set to drop to -5C / 23F.

Meteorologists in the south west of Ireland recorded the longest above average spell since 2002. In the midlands and west it was the warmest spell since 2007.

Although yesterday, 1st February, marks the start of spring in Ireland, temperatures are set to plummet with rain, sleet, and snow in parts of the country. Throughout Irish cities gritting machines have been dispatched, according to the Herald, as the country prepares for treacherous conditions.

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Met Eireann said the mild temperatures will give way to the Siberian air mass moving east over Europe, the Evening Herald reports.

The coming days will be seen in stark contrast to the last four weeks. The Belfast Telegraph reports that weather stations around the country recorded only four frosty mornings. On average, Ireland records 11 frosty days in January.

In Belmullet, County Mayo, the minimum grass temperature was recorded as -2C / 28F. These are the highest levels since 1983.

Rainfall in Ireland for January was above average except for stations in the south. Valentia Island off Kerry recorded a decrease in sunshine of 50 percent.