Ireland is set to experience a sharp and sudden change in weather, with Met Eireann issuing a stark warning that "people will be shocked" by the drastic drop in temperatures.
After an unusually mild start to November, the country is bracing for its first cold snap of the season, with sub-zero temperatures, frost and snow expected to hit from this weekend.
The national forecaster has issued a rare nine-day weather advisory, predicting a dramatic shift in conditions. The advisory - in place from today until Saturday, November 23 - reads: "A transition to significantly colder conditions will take place from Monday, November 18 lasting through much of the week. Wintry hazards including frost and ice are likely with potential for sleet, snow and hail for some."
On top of this advisory, the weather agency confirmed that warnings will be issued to address potential risks associated with this cold snap, which include hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility in wintry showers, and potential disruptions to transport. Animal welfare concerns have also been flagged due to the expected conditions.
READ MORE: Ireland weather: Snow timeline as 5-day frozen frenzy confirmed in new Met Eireann forecast
READ MORE: Lidl and Aldi Ireland Christmas hours warning as stores to close for three days over festive period
Met Eireann's deputy head of forecasting Liz Coleman issued a direct warning to the public: “After an unusually mild start to November, people are going to get quite a shock as the temperatures plummet next week, which is why we have issued an Advisory for Ireland.
"Details are uncertain with the exact track of a low-pressure system on Sunday night and during Monday, but at present, some heavy and persistent rain is expected in the west and north with the possibility of some sleet and snow over parts of Ulster on Monday. Met Eireann will be monitoring this situation closely over the weekend."
The big shift in conditions is expected to happen by Tuesday when an Arctic airmass is set to settle over Ireland, drastically lowering temperatures.
Coleman continued: “However, there is a high degree of certainty that by next Tuesday it is going to turn much colder as an Arctic airmass sinks over the country from the north. Daytime temperatures will often range around 2 to 6 degrees with night-time temperatures widely falling below freezing, bringing widespread frost and ice."
READ MORE: Ireland weather: Live snow tracker shows high-risk areas as Met Eireann sounds Arctic warningThe arrival of the cold northerly winds will also bring wintry showers of sleet and snow, particularly affecting the northern half of the country. However, Coleman cautioned that there is potential for these showers to extend further south. She added: "The northerly airflow will also bring showers of sleet and snow, these most frequent over the northern half of the country but there is potential for some showers to reach further south. These conditions will bring some hazardous travelling conditions, travel disruptions and poor visibility."
While the exact extent of the snow remains unclear, Met Eireann’s high-resolution forecasting models will provide more precise information in the coming days. Coleman said: "The extent of the wintry showers in terms of snow is still unclear, but we will have more information as Met Éireann’ s high resolution model comes into play, which provides forecast information two days ahead."
The cold snap is expected to linger for several days, with the Arctic airmass remaining over Ireland until at least next Friday, November 22. However, as is often the case with long-term forecasts, the situation is subject to change.
Coleman concluded: "The cold northerly airmass looks set to linger over Ireland until next Friday at least, but possibly into next weekend too, although uncertainty increases after Friday (22nd)."
As Ireland prepares for this dramatic shift in weather, people are urged to stay updated with Met Eireann’s forecasts and take precautions against the dangerous conditions expected.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
