Despite recent heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures, Ireland is not dreaming of a White Christmas this year - but Met Eireann says another cold snap is on the way.
The lead up to the festive season is forecast to be warm, wet and windy as a deep low-pressure system briefly sweeps in mild air from the Atlantic
However, the next Arctic blast may not be far behind, with the risk of more wintry showers as colder air once again sweeps in from the north east. Parts of the country face another bout of icy conditions towards the end of the year.
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The national forecaster says there is “considerable uncertainty” about the forecast from St Stephen’s Day, however “wintry conditions cannot be ruled out”.
Bitter Arctic air could reach the country by Christmas Day, with Met Eireann saying there is potential for sleet showers over high ground on December 25.
Looking ahead to the end of the year, it said: “With colder than average temperatures and the northeast flow, some wintery conditions cannot be ruled out along with some very cold nights again.”
In the meantime, heavy rain and strong winds were the main hazards at the start of the week with several weather warnings issued that expired this morning.
Thundery showers have been forecast for parts today, causing the risk of spot flooding.
Met Eireann’s forecast for today reads: “Cloudy in Connacht and Ulster with occasional showers throughout the day. Some may be heavy or thundery with a possibility of spot flooding. Elsewhere, conditions will stay largely dry and bright, although a few patchy outbreaks of rain will push in to southern coastal counties later this evening. Southwesterly winds will start off fresh and gusty, gradually easing through the day. Highest temperatures of 7C to 10C.
“Staying dry in many areas tonight with just patchy outbreaks of rain or showers. Minimum temperatures of -1C to 4C, coldest in the north midlands. Some frost will develop with isolated patches of fog also possible. Mainly light breezes, southerly or variable.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow, it continued: “Staying largely dry on Thursday with decent bright spells. Just a few isolated showers, most likely towards the west. Highest temperatures tomorrow will range from 5C to 10C egrees, remaining coolest in the north midlands. Winds mainly light and variable.
“Mostly dry at first on Thursday night, although heavy outbreaks of rain will extend over the southern half of the country by morning. Lowest temperatures of -1C to 5C, coldest in the north with some frost forming. Patches of fog may develop in many areas as well. Winds will remain light, easterly or variable.”
The wet weather will continue into Friday. The forecast reads: “Quite wet on Friday. Heavy outbreaks of rain will continue to track northwards across the country with a mix of bright spells and scattered showers following from the south. Highest temperatures of 5C to 11C degrees, remaining coolest in Ulster. Light to moderate easterly winds, veering southwesterly.
“Scattered outbreaks of showery rain, potentially turning heavy in Atlantic coastal counties with some drier intervals towards the east. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 8C. Mainly moderate southerly winds, turning quite blustery along southern and western coasts.”
For Christmas Eve, Met Eireann said: “Largely cloudy with scattered showers. The showers will remain heaviest along Atlantic coastal counties with the best of the dry intervals towards the east. Highest temperatures of 8C to 11C. Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds, becoming lighter later in the day.”
And for the big day, Met Eireann issued its verdict on snow, saying: “Current indications are that Christmas Day will be clear and bright for most areas with just a few showers in the north and northwest. Some of the showers may turn to sleet over higher ground. Highest temperatures of 5C to 8C early on, becoming cooler through the day. Light breezes, westerly or variable.”
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