Snow 'cannot be ruled out' according to Met Éireann's extended weather update

Snow 'cannot be ruled out', as polar conditions can be expected with the month of February coming to a close.

Met Éireann has issued an extended forecast and predicts 'unsettled weather' with 'colder, polar' conditions nearing the end of the month.

On their extended range forecast, issued from Monday, February 19 to Sunday, February 25, an 'unsettled weather regime' is forecast along with 'numerous low-pressure systems'.

"Whilst the week will begin very mild, temperatures will decrease during the second half of the week as colder, polar maritime air extends from the North Atlantic," the forecast reads.

"Rainfall amounts are expected to be significantly above average, especially in the west of the country. Some wintry precipitation (sleet or snow) cannot be ruled out by the end of the week, with the chance of very strong winds also." 

While this Monday, February 19 will see largely dry and mild conditions of up to 13 degrees, temperatures decrease throughout the week with rainfall and frost expected. Thursday, February 22 will see cooler temperatures of just 5 to 8 degrees during the day.

Monday: Largely dry with hazy sunshine in the morning, with just a few light showers. During the afternoon and evening, cloud will build from the west. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in moderate westerly winds

Tuesday: Turning wet for most in the morning as rain in the northwest extends across much of the country, reaching the southeast in the early afternoon. Breezy as well with fresh and gusty southwesterly winds. Drier, brighter and colder conditions along with easing winds will follow from the northwest, reaching most areas by the evening though rain will persist for southern areas. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees, mildest in the southeast.

Wednesday: Widespread rain at first, clearing eastwards through the morning. Becoming drier for a time before sunshine and showers of longer spells of rain push in from the west during the afternoon. Breezy with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees before turning colder from the northwest.

Thursday: A much cooler day with sunshine and showers or longer spells of rain, most persistent over the western half of the country, possibly turning wintry at times. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees in moderate to fresh southwest winds.

Friday and weekend: Unsettled and breezy at times. A showery day is expected for Friday with spells of rain moving in from the west during the weekend. Highest temperatures generally ranging from 7 to 10 degrees. Some localised frosts possible during the nights.