Met Eireann has forecast snow to fall within days, with two areas in particular set to see ‘frequent’ falls of flurries.
It comes as Ireland is on alert for a potential weather change that could threaten a ‘Beast from the East’ style subzero freeze.
In recent days, some weather experts have sounded alarm bells after the emergence of a weather pattern that could bring a major cold blast to the country.
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Although it is still very early days and subject to change, some meteorologists are reported to be keeping a close eye on the Polar Vortex - a pool of cold air spinning over the North Pole - which has the potential to spark a Sudden Stratospheric Warming event, also known as an SSW.
It was just such a weather incident that drove the Arctic deluge five years ago that left Ireland covered in deep snow.
The phenomenon is caused by a change in wind direction high above the North Pole forcing air to descend from the stratosphere and flood the US, Asia and northern Europe.
However, Met Eireann has given its verdict, saying that it’s currently far too early to tell. It warned that forecasts beyond one week “become increasingly uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere.”
In its forecast for this week, it said snow will fall in parts of Ireland this weekend.
Temperatures are set to drop from Friday night, with some snow due to fall on high ground on Saturday, and further ‘frequent’ showers of sleet and snow on Sunday.
The national forecaster said that areas in the west and north will see the most flakes, while the east and south can expect “isolated” falls.
The forecast for this weekend reads: “Mainly dry with fog slow to clear on Friday morning. In the afternoon southerly winds will increase moderate to fresh then cloud and rain will develop along western coasts, spreading eastwards during the evening. Highest temperatures of 7C to 11C. Friday night will be cold with frost in places.
“Saturday will be mainly dry with showers on coasts, turning to sleet at times and with snow on higher ground. A cold day and windy day is likely and showers will become more widespread towards evening.
“Current indications suggest Sunday will be cold and windy with showers of sleet and snow, frequent over the west and north and isolated in the east and south.”
In the meantime, Ireland can expect wet and windy weather with two warnings issued.
A Status Yellow rain warning for Kerry is in place until 8pm on Tuesday, while a second Status Yellow wind warning for Donegal kicks in at 11pm Tuesday until 3am Wednesday.
Meanwhile, across the pond, the UK's Met Office has blasted claims the 'Beast from the East' could be coming back - saying the weather for next week is not coming from the east.
Meteorologist Diane Stroud told Mirror UK that the weather is currently coming from the south and west.
She said: "The weather is firmly from the south and west for the rest of the week. There is no Beast from the East."
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