Parts of Ireland could be walloped by rare ‘thundersnow’ as an ominous Arctic blast continues.
Temperatures will drop as low as -5C at times this week, with wintry falls of hail, sleet and snow also forecast.
Met Eireann is also warning of thunderstorms today, meaning some areas could be in for a rare outbreak of ‘thundersnow’.
READ MORE: Ireland weather LIVE updates - Met Eireann snow warning, school closures, travel chaos
READ MORE: Gardai praised for ‘rolling up sleeves’ and helping grit roads amid treacherous snow in Donegal
‘Thundersnow’ happens when thunderstorms - which are more common in summer months - form in wintry conditions.
When the weather is cold, the rain associated with a thunderstorm can fall as snow and therefore is called ‘thundersnow’.
‘Thundersnow’ is not meteorologically different from thunder in the summer, but rather than hail or rain, there is snow which can affect the acoustics of the thunder.
Issuing its forecast for today, Met Eireann said: “Very cold today with a mix of sunny spells and wintry showers, falling as snow in places, especially across the northwest and later today across other areas. Isolated thunderstorms with hail will occur too. Driest and brightest across the south and east. Highest temperatures of just 1C to 4C, in mostly moderate northwest breezes.
“Very cold tonight with frost and icy stretches developing in many areas. Scattered sleet and snow showers will continue, most frequent in the north and west. Isolated thunderstorms may occur too with the chance of hail. Lowest temperatures of -3C to 1C in mainly moderate westerly winds, breezier all the while along Atlantic coasts.”
Independent Irish forecaster Alan O'Reilly noted 'thundersnow' is possible. Updating followers on his popular Carlow Weather social media accounts, he said: "Some heavy snow showers today, especially this afternoon and evening with risk of thunderstorms. Most showers will be in the North, West and Southwest. Driest in East and Southeast. Could possibly see some thundersnow today!"
A double weather warning for low temperatures and ice is in place for the entire country until noon.
The Status Yellow alert reads: “Icy stretches leading to hazardous travelling conditions, especially on untreated roads and paths. Wintry showers in the northwest and southwest. Accumulations possible, especially in mountainous areas, leading to disruption.”
The subzero weather has also prompted Met Eireann to issue a nationwide ‘Winter Weather’ advisory, which lasts until noon on Thursday. It 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 with the potential for freezing fog. Further updates to the advisory and warnings are expected in the coming days.”
However, the severe cold weather is expected to be short lived, with a big change on the way.
While daytime temperatures today will linger close to freezing, by Saturday they could reach double digits.
The national forecaster said: “Temperatures are expected to increase by the weekend.”
It said temperatures will turn slightly warmer on Friday with dull and wet conditions expected, while Saturday will see the mercury reach 8C to 11C.
READ NEXT:
Paschal Donohoe prepared to go before the Dáil to make statement on election expenses
Body found in Mayo as gardai confirm search for missing man stood down
Conor McGregor's pub claims it is the 'greatest in the world'
Ireland's greatest ever chat show host - Check out the contenders in our poll and have your say
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
