A supercharged jet stream, fired up by the mega-freeze in America, is set to create turbulent weather conditions for Ireland as we head into the New Year.
Forecasters say the very cold air that has been spreading across the US in recent days is helping to strengthen the jet stream, which is pushing low-pressure systems across the Atlantic.
Weather maps show the predicted path of the jet stream as it heads straight towards Ireland.
READ MORE: Ireland braced for rare ‘thundersnow’ amid winter storm fears as Met Eireann forecast new cold blast
Met Eireann says low pressure will be the main feature of Ireland’s over the New Year, leading to “largely unsettled conditions”.
Giving its long-range forecast for the week of December 30 to January 5, it said: “Low pressure will be the main feature of our weather during this period, leading to largely unsettled conditions to start 2023.
“Temperatures will be around normal but it will be wetter than average as a predominantly southwesterly airflow steers showers and spells of rain over the country. The wettest conditions will be in the south and west.
“With wet and windy spells possible through the period, there is the potential for some wind or rain warnings at times.”
While it is still very early days, the national forecaster pinpointed New Year’s Day as the date it could turn colder.
A forecaster said: “The weather will likely be unsettled on New Year's Day, possibly turning colder, but confidence is low in the details.”
In the meantime, Ireland is set for a wet and windy few days. An urgent, six-hour Status Yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.
It’s in place from 5am until 11am on Thursday, and reads: “Strong to gale force westerly winds of 50 to 60 km/h, with occasional gusts of 90 to 110 km/hr. Winds will be strongest in coastal areas with wave overtopping.”
Tonight some areas could see lightning or hail. Giving its nationwide forecast, Met Eireann said: “Rather windy tonight with fresh and gusty westerly winds, strongest along Atlantic coasts. Showers will continue overnight mixed with some clear spells, clearest later in the night. Some showers will be heavy with possible lightning or hail, especially towards morning in Atlantic counties. Lowest temperatures of 2C to 5C.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the national forecaster continued: “Windy to start with very strong winds possible in the northwest for a time early tomorrow morning. There will be further showers with some bright or sunny periods. Showers will be heavy in the morning with possible hail or lightning, mainly near Atlantic coasts. Chance of sleet in the north too. Winds will slowly ease light to moderate southwesterly through the day. The best of dry spells will be in the evening. A colder day with afternoon highs of 4C to 7C.
“Windy with strong southerly winds developing on Thursday night. Rain will spread from the Atlantic overnight with heavy rain in the west. Lowest temperatures of 1C to 4C, coldest in the north early in the night with temperatures rising overnight.”
Its forecast for Friday reads: ”Outbreaks of rain, heavy in the morning. Some dry and bright spells will develop for the afternoon, but there will be some further rainfall in parts too. Rather windy with fresh to strong southwest winds easing later in the day. Afternoon highs of 5C to 9C.
“Mostly cloudy with showery rain in parts. Mainly moderate southwest winds. Some drier spells too. Temperatures may fall close to freezing in the north and west, with a touch of frost possible.”
Currently, Met Eireann says there is “uncertainty” for the New Year’s Eve weather.
It said: “There is uncertainty in the forecast for New Year's Eve but current indications show that there will likely be some showers but with a good deal of dry weather too in the afternoon. Winds are signalled to be mostly light. Highs of 5C to 8C. There is potential for it be frosty on Saturday night, especially in the north.”
For New Year’s Day it said: “The weather will likely be unsettled on New Year's Day, possibly turning colder, but confidence is low in the details.”
It comes as a deadly storm continues to grip parts of the US, with officials saying at least 34 people have been killed from record-breaking low temperatures.
At least 57 Americans also reported being trapped in their cars around New York State, with Buffalo being one of the worst-hit regions.
Those living in Buffalo have resorted to risking their lives as they search for cars buried in the snow.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “This is a war with mother nature, and she has been hitting us with everything she has.
“It is like going to a war zone, and the vehicles along the sides of the roads are shocking.”
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