Ireland is on alert for a potential storm over Christmas that could unleash gales and fierce downpours.
Some long-range weather maps pinpoint Wednesday, December 28 as the day that a barrage of stormy weather might head our way.
Although it is still very early days, weather experts are sounding alarm bells about the emergence of a possible pattern that could threaten a storm.
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Independent Irish forecaster Alan O’Reilly has been sharing updates with followers of his Carlow Weather social media pages.
“The jet stream is forecast to power up and head towards us next week” he said, but cautioned that it is subject to change this far out.
He added: “Latest weather models continue to show a risk of storm next Wednesday but still uncertainty on track and intensity.
“The exact track though remains uncertain and it could drop South of us. The latest ECMWF has it developing a nasty storm around the 28th but the GFS doesn’t agree at all. One to watch.”
In the meantime, Ireland can expect a brief blast of colder weather with the risk of wintry showers on Christmas night.
Today, heavy rain is forecast to clear east early tonight, with a mix of clear spells and scattered showers to follow and overnight temperatures of 2C to 6C.
Giving its forecast for Christmas Eve, Met Eireann said: “Saturday will bring some sunny spells. However, showers in the west during the morning will become more widespread in the afternoon and some will be heavy, with the chance of isolated thunderstorms and hail, especially in the west. Highest temperatures of 6C to 10C and rather breezy and blustery in moderate to fresh southerly winds.
“A mix of clear spells and scattered showers on Saturday night. Some of the showers may be heavy and prolonged, especially near Atlantic coasts. Lowest temperatures of 4C to 7C in a moderate to fresh southerly breeze, stronger near the west coast.”
Looking ahead to Christmas Day, the national forecaster continued: “Christmas morning will be dry and bright for many eastern and southern areas but showery outbreaks of rain will move into the west and north. This rain will gradually make its way southeastwards across the country through the afternoon and evening . Colder clearer conditions will follow to the west and north with some showers feeding into northern coastal areas later, possibly of hail or sleet. Highest temperatures of 6C to 10C early in the day in a light to moderate southerly breeze, turning round to the northwest and freshening later.
“Cold on Christmas night with clear spells and a few showers, affecting northern coastal counties mainly with some turning wintry. Lowest temperatures of -2C to 2C with some frost forming, in moderate west to northwest winds, stronger along the north coast.”
Its forecast for St Stephen’s Day reads: “A cold and brighter day with sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly in western and northern coastal counties. These showers may turn to sleet in some spots with some hail and hill snow possible over Ulster. Highest temperatures of 3C to 7C.”
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