A freezing blast of Arctic weather will come as a “shock to the system”, according to meteorologists, as Ireland prepares for days of wintry weather.
Met Eireann has refused to rule out weather warnings, forecasting -4C temperatures, mist, frost, fog, ice, sleet and snow.
The national forecaster says there is a risk of “widespread” wintry falls from Wednesday as temperatures plummet below zero.
UPDATE: Ireland live snow tracker as weather warning issued and Met Eireann forecast major cold snap
It comes as independent Irish forecaster Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather warned the sudden Arctic freeze will come as a “shock to the system” for many people as windchill makes it feel even colder than the freezing temperatures forecast.
He shared weather models showing the air feeling as cold as -8C in parts.
In its latest forecast, Met Eireann said: “It will be very cold until at least Thursday with frost, ice and some possible wintry falls. Some uncertainty to the midweek details however.”
It’s overall weekly forecast for Monday to Friday reads: “Low pressure systems nearby are set to dominate through Week 1 with a predominately northerly airflow, becoming southwesterly at times. It will be colder than normal, especially away from the southwest. Rainfall amounts will generally be below normal with the exception of the northwest which will be more prone to showers in the northerly airflow. Colder than average conditions could lead to some wintry hazards, especially frosty nights though icy conditions are not expected to due below average rainfall.”
Giving further details in a day-by-day breakdown Met Eireann said: “Cool and cloudy Sunday with showers across the northern half of the country. Some sunny spells may develop into the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 7C to 9C in no more than moderate northwesterly winds.
“Some scattered showers will occur Sunday night with mist and fog forming in parts too, all with just light westerly breezes. Rather cold with lowest temperatures of -1C to 3C with a slight frost where clear skies develop
“Monday will be cool and cloudy with outbreaks of rain sinking southwards. Some possible early morning sunshine in the south with late sunshine in the north. Highest temperatures of just 5C to 8C or 9C in light to moderate northwesterly breezes.
“Long clear spells will develop Monday night as the last of the rain clears southern counties early in the night. Very cold with lowest temperatures of 0C and -4C leading to widespread sharp frost and possible icy stretches. Wintry showers will later move into north facing coasts later, in a mostly light northerly airflow.
“Very cold Tuesday as an Arctic airflow feeds down but with plenty of sunshine too, and with just light northerly breezes. Some well scattered sleet or snow showers will stream into the north and northwest but with a lot of dry weather elsewhere. Highest temperatures will range just 3C to 6C with light to moderate northerly breezes. A few wintry showers will continue overnight near northern coasts, while staying dry and clear elsewhere.
“Another icy cold night Tuesday with a widespread sharp or severe frost in sub-zero temperatures.
“A very cold frosty start Wednesday with possible ice, but with a good deal of dry bright sunshine about too. Many areas will stay dry for the day in moderate east to southeast winds. During the afternoon however, cloud and wintry rain may feed into the southwest. Highest temperatures will again range just 3C to 6C.
“Some uncertainty after-dark but wintry outbreaks may continue to feed up from the southwest with possible widespread wintry falls. Cold with lows of -2C to 2C.”
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