Becoming progressively colder this weekend and next week
A big change in the weather is forecast over the coming days as the relatively mild weather of recent weeks is replaced by much colder conditions.
Meteorologist Matthew Martin says, “After such a mild November, the upcoming cold spell will be a shock to the system for many. There will be a good chance this weekend to make preparations for the winter weather. Lots of useful information and advice is available on the winter ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready/ .”
The transition to colder weather is currently underway as high pressure stretching from Russia to Scandinavia begins to retrogress towards Greenland allowing a cold easterly air-flow to become established over Ireland this weekend.
(Cold air-mass forecast to move over Ireland over the coming days)
Maximum daytime temperatures will drop back to single figures over the weekend and with the increased chance of some frost. There will be some showers too, especially over eastern counties on Sunday, where some of the showers will be heavy and bring the potential for hail and thunder and snow is possible over high ground.
Next week, it looks set to turn even colder. After relatively benign winter weather on Monday and Tuesday with lots of sunshine and just some showers, a much colder northeasterly air-flow is currently forecast to become established over Ireland by Wednesday.
(Forecast maximum temperatures across Europe for Thursday 8th December 2022)
Whilst there remains some uncertainty in forecast detail, there is growing confidence that it will turn very cold from Wednesday and through the latter days of next week. Wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are expected at times along with the possibility for severe frost and ice. Daytime temperatures are forecast to be in the low single figures with sub-zero temperatures by night.
Forecast detail will change day by day so use the forecast location search tool on the Met Éireann website/App for details on the weather in your local area for 10-days ahead www.met.ie .