Mercury to rise this week as Erik departs

Storm Erik was winter’s swansong as spring is set to announce itself with temperatures of up to 15C next weekend, according to Met Eireann.

Meteorologist John Eagleton said the worst of the storm, which caused damage in the south and west, had passed. “The stormy weather is gone but it will remain cold and bright with some heavy showers,” he said. “There’s still a bit of winter but gradually it will feel more like spring and temperatures will rise by the weekend.”