Weather experts are on alert for a potential cold snap that could engulf Ireland within days.
A risk of snow is looming, with Met Eireann unable to rule out “wintry showers” falling from this weekend.
Some long-range weather models show a threat of subzero temperatures, although they are subject to change this far out.
READ MORE: Met Eireann issue new Status Yellow wind warning as five areas are pinpointed for 'strong gusts'
The national forecaster has confirmed a chilly weather U-turn from this weekend.
It said: “Unsettled for the rest of the week and turning colder this weekend, with frost likely and wintry precipitation possible. Warnings are likely during this period, mainly for wind and rain.
“Rather windy [Saturday and Sunday] and cold with a wind chill factor. Spells of rain will be followed later by wintry showers.”
Independent forecaster Alan O’Reilly is also monitoring weather models for the potential cold spell, telling followers of his Carlow Weather social media accounts: “Increased risk of cool spell from the weekend with some wintry showers possible but details remain uncertain with models not in agreement.
“FYI when you see the snow symbol on any weather apps or sites for 5-8 days times. Some weather models showing risk of sleet/snow from around Sunday and early days of next week. Huge uncertainty across the models though and looks short lived but that could all change.”
In the meantime, a series of low pressure systems are due to track close to Ireland, bringing unsettled conditions - including heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and below average temperatures.
A Status Yellow weather warning for Wind is currently in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cavan, Monaghan, Tipperary and Waterford.
The alert, which lasts until 7pm Tuesday, reads: “Becoming very windy or squally for a time today with isolated thunderstorms possible.”
Giving its national forecast for the rest of the week, Met Eireann said: “Windy and showery tomorrow Wednesday with showers merging into some longer spells of rain. Isolated thunderstorms and hail are possible too. Drying up for a time later in the afternoon away from Ulster, before outbreaks of rain feed up from the southwest during the evening. Highest temperatures of 5C to 9C, in mostly strong and gusty westerly winds. National Outlook
“Lowest temperatures of 2C to 6C will occur early in the night. Widespread outbreaks of rain are expected to move in from the west with low cloud and mist too. Southwesterly winds will be rather brisk at times across the southern half of the country, but much lighter elsewhere.
“Dull and damp at first on Thursday, with locally wet conditions. While sunny spells will develop, some passing blustery showers will track west to east too, some turning to hail across Atlantic counties later. Highest temperatures of 9C to 12C, in fresh to strong southwesterly winds.
“A mix of clear spells and scattered showers on Thursday night, turning prolonged across the north and northwest with the potential for hail and isolated thunderstorms. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 6C with brisk southwesterly winds all the while.
“Daytime blustery showers on Friday will mainly affect the north and northwest with sunny spells across many other areas. Remaining blustery though, in fresh and gusty westerly winds. Feeling cold with highest temperatures of 6C to 9C.”
“Rather windy and cold with a wind chill factor this weekend. Spells of rain will be followed later by wintry showers.”
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