Ireland is braced for a freezing Arctic blast that will see the recent mild temperatures plummet below zero.
Met Eireann has warned that the weather will change suddenly from Sunday evening when the current stormy conditions give way to showers of sleet, snow and hail.
A ‘Winter Weather’ advisory has been issued for the entire country, which reads: “Turning cold across the country between Sunday evening and Thursday morning as an Arctic airflow becomes established, bringing sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches on roads and footpaths. Some showers of hail, sleet and snow are expected.”
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The alert also warns that there is “the potential for freezing fog”.
Freezing fog is considered a rare weather event because specific circumstances are required for the fog to form. The fog consists of ‘supercooled’ water droplets, which means the moisture remains liquid despite temperatures being below freezing.
In the event of freezing fog, the public is advised to take extra care when out and about, as it could lead to hazardous road conditions.
With Sunday through to Thursday pinpointed as the days that snow could fall, you can check exactly where and when to expect it using Windy’s live tracker below.
Ireland snow tracker
Snow is represented by white snowflakes appearing in the rain.
The brief blast of wintry conditions will be followed by another sudden weather change.
From Thursday, it will turn much milder as wet and windy weather moves in from the Atlantic.
Met Eireann said: “Turning much milder on Thursday with a spell of rain and fresh southwest winds moving in from the Atlantic. Staying mild and changeable for the rest of the week.”
Ireland weather forecast
Monday
The forecast reads: “Frost or ice will linger in some parts during the day. There will be sunny spells with wintry showers, some of hail, feeding onto northern facing coasts in a light northwest airflow, and also into the southwest. Turning cloudier with showers possibly becoming more widespread later. Afternoon temperatures of 2C to 6C, coldest in the north.
“Widespread sharp frost with temperatures falling to -3C or -4C, possibly colder locally. Clear spells with scattered wintry showers. Some freezing fog will likely form with little wind.”
Tuesday
The meteorological service said: “Cold with lying frost or ice. Afternoon temperatures of just 1C to 3C. A mostly bright day with showers continuing to feeding into Atlantic and northern areas in a northerly airflow, freshening later. Lowest temperatures of 0C to -3C.”
Wednesday
Met Eireann continued: “Sunny spells with scattered wintry showers. Highs of 3C to 6C but feeling very cold in a brisk northerly wind. Temperatures will likely fall below zero again on Wednesday night.”
Further outlook
The forecast concludes: “Turning much milder on Thursday with a spell of rain and fresh southwest winds moving in from the Atlantic. Staying mild and changeable for the rest of the week.”
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