Ireland could get its first taste of winter weather within weeks, according to Met Eireann’s long range forecast.
The national forecaster says that early indications suggest that “a rather cold northwesterly air-flow is to be dominant over Ireland” during the week of October 17 to 23.
This means temperatures will be “slightly below average” - but will there be snow?
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Ireland’s meteorological service has given its verdict and ruled out any chance of the white stuff falling, but said there is “the potential for some frost”.
Giving its full forecast for the week of October 17 to 23, it said: “Early indications suggest high pressure blocking in the Atlantic will favour a rather cold northwesterly air-flow to be dominant over Ireland.
“Temperatures are forecast to be slightly below average, with the potential for some frost.
“A showery northwest air-flow is forecast at times which will likely favour showers to affect windward costs of the west and north of the country. Rainfall totals in some western and northern areas are predicted to be above average, but it looks set to be drier than normal elsewhere.”
Met Eireann issues monthly, long-range forecasts to “provide an insight into weather patterns”.
However it warns that they are “low skill” and subject to change, explaining that “forecasts beyond one week become increasingly uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere.”
In the meantime, Ireland is in for changeable conditions with heavy rain and strong winds at times.
Saturday is set to be mostly dry, with winds freshening and becoming strong in the evening. Tonight, temperatures of 6C to 11C are forecast.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the national forecaster said: “Wet and very breezy on Sunday morning with rain and fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds extending eastwards to all areas. Rain will be heavy for a time. Mostly dry and sunny conditions will follow in from the northwest in the afternoon. Winds will veer northwesterly and ease. Dull and wet weather will persist in the east and southeast into the evening. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C.
“The last of the rain will clear the southeast early in the night, becoming predominately dry and clear. Chilly with lowest temperatures of 5C to 9C in mostly light to moderate westerly winds, fresher at times in the north and northwest with a few showers there, possibly turning heavy or thundery near coasts.”
It will be more of the same next week.
The meteorological service said: “A largely dry day on Monday with some sunny spells and just isolated showers in the north. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C in light to moderate westerly breezes.
“A mostly cloudy day on Tuesday with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, heaviest and most persistent in the west and north through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 11C to 14C, in moderate south to southwest winds, freshening along Atlantic coasts during the evening.
“A mostly damp and cloudy morning on Wednesday with outbreaks of rain, clearing eastwards through the morning and followed by sunshine and showers. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C in light to moderate northwest.
“A good deal of uncertainty in the details for Thursday onwards, but current indications suggest that it will be quite unsettled with spells of wet and breezy, possibly windy weather.”
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