Ireland’s bitter cold spell isn’t over yet — and Met Éireann says the country should brace for another sharp temperature plunge after a brief burst of milder weather.
The current cold snap has already brought overnight lows of -5C, widespread frost, icy patches and isolated snow flurries across the west, northwest, Midlands and parts of Ulster. But forecasters say a dramatic shift is on the way.
Later today, persistent rain will sweep into the west, followed by gale-force winds and a sudden temperature jump to 15C. A Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Donegal and Mayo from 4pm Thursday until 6am Friday, with Met Éireann warning: “Strong to gale force and gusty southwesterly winds have the potential to cause difficult travelling conditions, as well as debris and loose objects being displaced.”
Tomorrow will stay unsettled nationwide, with strong winds, heavy rain and the risk of hail and thunderstorms, especially in Atlantic counties. But the cold will quickly bounce back, with daytime highs of just 7C to 10C and freezing nights returning across the Midlands, Connacht and Ulster.
By Saturday, conditions will worsen again. Met Éireann said: “Variable cloud, sunny spells and scattered showers, turning heavy at times, with hail and isolated thunderstorms possible… Rather cold with highest temperatures of just 5C to 8C.” Overnight lows of -2C to 2C will bring frost and icy patches to much of the east, Midlands and north.
Sunday starts cold and frosty in Leinster and Munster, before cloud and rain move in from the west. Afternoon temperatures will sit between 4C and 8C, with damp conditions lingering into Sunday night.
As for snow, Met Éireann’s weekend verdict points to the west and north seeing the first wintry showers on Friday, with further flurries possible on Saturday. The northwest and east could see the most noticeable snowfall on Sunday. While widespread snow isn’t confirmed, the combination of frost, hail and bitter temperatures means wintry conditions are likely to impact parts of the country.
Looking ahead to next week, Met Éireann says low pressure will dominate: “Atlantic fronts will spread across the country… Rainfall amounts will be above average nationwide… and above-average temperatures are expected.”
Weather conditions evolve very quickly. Readers are advised to follow Met Éireann updates closely.
