Met Eireann has issued a significant advance warning that it has "high confidence" in a shift towards freezing, wintry conditions in the coming days.
Ireland is bracing for a dramatic weather U-turn, with temperatures expected to plummet as icy winds sweep in, bringing with them spells of sleet and snow.
The sudden change in weather is being attributed to a low-pressure system centered to the east of the country, which is poised to take control of the weather pattern. This system will draw in bitter air from the north, setting the stage for what the national forecaster has described as an "Arctic maritime regime".
This shift in weather will mark Ireland's first real taste of winter this year. In an update issued this morning, Met Eireann confirmed that the temperatures "will turn much colder next week" as a chill settles over the country.
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While there is some uncertainty in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, the weather agency is confident that afterwards, Ireland will experience a prolonged spell of wintry conditions. It said the cold snap is expected to last for at least five days - from Monday through to Friday.
Ireland snow timelineMet Eireann has predicted that the first snow flurries could arrive in northern and western areas on Monday. Scattered wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are forecast across the rest of the country from Tuesday to Friday. Connacht and Ulster are likely to see the most frequent snow, where some lying snow is expected. Daytime temperatures will range from around 3C to 6C next week, dropping from 0C to -3C after dark. Here's Met Eireann's new forecast in full:
Friday, November 15
"Generally cloudy Friday with scattered patches of rain and drizzle along with areas of mist and fog. However, bright or sunny spells will develop in some areas. Another fairly mild day for November with highest temperatures of 10C to 13C in moderate southwest winds.
"Mostly cloudy Friday night with patches of mist and drizzle about. A band of rain will move down from the north to affect Ulster and north Connacht soon after midnight before tracking gradually south over the country during the night. Lowest temperatures of between 5C and 10C , coldest in Ulster after the rain clears through early on Saturday morning."
Saturday, November 16
"A damp start on Saturday across the southern half of the country with patchy rain and drizzle. Drier weather further north with some sunny spells and just the odd shower. Rain will clear from the south coast by Saturday afternoon leaving a mix of cloud and sunny spells across the country with just a few showers in Ulster. Feeling somewhat fresher with highest afternoon temperatures of 8C to 11C in moderate northwest winds.
"A cold night Saturday with clear spells and just a few showers, these mainly affecting north Ulster where the odd hail shower is possible. Lowest temperatures of 1C to 4C generally but it will be less cold in Atlantic coastal margins with moderate west to northwest winds."
Sunday, November 17
"A fresh and bright day for much of the country on Sunday with spells of sunshine and just a few showers in northern and western coastal counties. Cloud will thicken from the Atlantic by evening though with rain developing on the northwest coast. Highest temperatures will range from 7C to 10C with moderate westerly breezes. On Sunday night, rain looks set to extend across the country and it will turn breezy. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 9C."
Monday, November 18
"An area of low pressure moves across Ireland on Monday bringing outbreaks of rain. Some wintry falls are possible over the north of the country but details remain uncertain. Highest temperatures of 4C to 12C (north to south). Cold on Monday night with frost and ice forming as temperatures fall back to between -1C and +3C. Some wintry showers will affect northern and western counties. "
Tuesday, November 19 - Friday, November 22
"A cold northerly air-flow develops over Ireland from Tuesday to Friday bringing a mix of sunshine and scattered wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow. Showers will be most frequent across Connacht and Ulster with some lying snow expected, especially over the hills but not exclusively. There will be widespread frost and ice at night with some hazardous travelling conditions. Typical daytime temperatures will range from around 3C to 6C whilst night-time temperatures will range from around 0C to -3C."
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