First cold snap of the season (Week commencing the 18th of November)
Updated on Wednesday20th November 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Heavy snow, Wednesday evening and overnight: significant snowfall accumulations, across parts of Munster, Connacht and the midlands. Heavy rain will transition to sleet and snow this evening and tonight (Wednesday) and will continue through Thursday morning, with accumulations of 5cm or more in 12 hours likely. This will cause significant travel disruptions and difficult ground conditions during the day, especially during morning rush hour. A status orange snow warning has been issued for multiple counties.
Lower snow accumulations are expected in other counties under a yellow snow/ice warning through Wednesday evening and night and into Thursday morning, with accumulations of 1-5cm in 12 hours likely. Travel disruptions can also be expected in these areas.
The cause of snow: A low-pressure system skirting to the south of Ireland will bring warm moist air up over cold air at the surface. This interaction will cause the widespread rain brought by the low to transition to sleet and snow in most areas.
Heavy rain possible: The rain may not transition to sleet or snow in all areas of the south, so some surface water accumulations could be expected, leading to localised flooding.
Warnings have been issued to reflect the situation; these may be updated as the situation evolves, as snow set-ups always have a level of inherent uncertainty.
For the rest of Ireland, the cold weather continues, bringing low temperatures, especially at night with widespread frost and ice. Showers of sleet and snow can also be expected, but not at warning levels.
The weekend: We are monitoring the track of another low-pressure system which will bring unsettled weather for Ireland on the weekend. A storm has not been named at this time, but we are closely monitoring the situation.
Fig 1 – Low pressure system approaching Ireland from the southwest this evening (Wednesday 20th). The interaction of this low with thecold air already over us will cause its heavy rain, transitioning to sleet and snow.
Fig 2 – Surface Air Temperatures and Freezing Level (the level in the atmosphere at which the temperature is zero) indicating that the cold temperatures will stay with us through the next couple of days.
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted: Slow down, drive with caution, allow more time for breaking, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times
Warnings have now been issued as temperatures turn significantly colder with showers of sleet and snow expected. Frosty and icy nights too.
Keep up to date with met.ie for updates and any further warnings that may be issued over the coming days.
A weather advisory is still in place until the end of the week.
Potential Impacts:
Difficult travelling conditions
Poor visibility in wintry showers
Travel disruption
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
Turning cold across Ireland tonight as an Arctic airmass becomes established over the country which looks set to persist for several days.
Fig 1- Airmass temperatures showing cold Arctic air sinking over the country. ECMWF 00z Run Monday 18th of November.
Meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell says:
“This evening and tonight rain will meet colder air in Ulster and parts of north Connacht turning to sleet and snow in some areas. This will bring tricky travelling conditions as visibility is greatly reduced in wintery showers.
As the rain clears through tonight and tomorrow, the cold arctic air will move southwards over the country. So, a notably colder day tomorrow but brightening up too with some sunshine. It will continue cold right through the working week with daytime temperatures struggle to rise above 2 to 6 degrees and temperatures falling widely below freezing at night. We’ll see a widespread frost developing and icy stretched too, leading to slippery conditions under foot and possibly travel disruption in some areas.”
Rebecca continues:
“That northerly airflow will also bring scattered showers of rain, sleet and snow through the week and with those cold temperatures, that precipitation will tend to freeze, increasing icy conditions, so do take care when out and about”
Fig 2- Surface temperatures dropping by day and night next week. ECMWF 00z Run Monday 18th November.
Looking ahead towards the end of the week, there is a chance of some rain, sleet or snow moving into the south on Thursday with the possibility of some wet and windy weather on the weekend but a high degree of uncertainty at this time.
Stay up-to date with the forecast and any updates to the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
First cold snap of the season (Week commencing the 18th of November)
Updated on Wednesday 20th November 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Fig 1 – Low pressure system approaching Ireland from the southwest this evening (Wednesday 20th). The interaction of this low with the cold air already over us will cause its heavy rain, transitioning to sleet and snow.
Fig 2 – Surface Air Temperatures and Freezing Level (the level in the atmosphere at which the temperature is zero) indicating that the cold temperatures will stay with us through the next couple of days.
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
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Monday 18th November 2024 updates:
OVERVIEW
Potential Impacts:
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
Turning cold across Ireland tonight as an Arctic airmass becomes established over the country which looks set to persist for several days.
Fig 1- Airmass temperatures showing cold Arctic air sinking over the country. ECMWF 00z Run Monday 18th of November.
Meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell says:
“This evening and tonight rain will meet colder air in Ulster and parts of north Connacht turning to sleet and snow in some areas. This will bring tricky travelling conditions as visibility is greatly reduced in wintery showers.
As the rain clears through tonight and tomorrow, the cold arctic air will move southwards over the country. So, a notably colder day tomorrow but brightening up too with some sunshine. It will continue cold right through the working week with daytime temperatures struggle to rise above 2 to 6 degrees and temperatures falling widely below freezing at night. We’ll see a widespread frost developing and icy stretched too, leading to slippery conditions under foot and possibly travel disruption in some areas.”
Rebecca continues:
“That northerly airflow will also bring scattered showers of rain, sleet and snow through the week and with those cold temperatures, that precipitation will tend to freeze, increasing icy conditions, so do take care when out and about”
Fig 2- Surface temperatures dropping by day and night next week. ECMWF 00z Run Monday 18th November.
Looking ahead towards the end of the week, there is a chance of some rain, sleet or snow moving into the south on Thursday with the possibility of some wet and windy weather on the weekend but a high degree of uncertainty at this time.
Stay up-to date with the forecast and any updates to the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Be Winter Ready
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
“Be Winter Ready”: Follow recommendations before, during and after severe weather on gov.ie – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)
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