Intense gales have been forecast for Ireland ahead of 2025 as experts warn of a 'damaging' wind event sweeping across the country.
According to the latest outlook, a 'rapidly deepening and intense' storm is on its way and set to land within the next few days, with New Year's Day pinpointed for its arrival.
One weather expert stated that two weather models were in agreement that we were in for a bumpy ride:
"Both EC and GEFS 360hr are going for the return of the Beast like a dog with a turkey bone. We will see but something is brewing!"
Meteorologist Nick Finnis revisited an early forecast discussing the possibility of snow during a temperature drop in the coming days, adding:
"00z ECMWF & UKMO blowing up a winter storm arriving for New Year's Day, so gales or severe gales rather than snow for many."
"It does turn colder from the North / NorthWest after the low clears, but the models now agree on a cold snap rather than cold spell. That kind of winter it seems!"
Met Eireann's latest forecasts don't extend as far ahead as New Year's Day, but the agency stated that conditions would "gradually become more unsettled with indications of colder weather for early 2025".
Met Eireann has issued the following forecast.
Friday night will be mostly cloudy with mist and fog in places. Dry for most with just some patchy drizzle though more general rain will move into northwestern areas later.
Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees generally in light southerly breezes, dipping down a little lower locally where any clear spells are more persistent.
On Saturday morning, some outbreaks of rain will affect northern and western areas. The rain will become patchier as it very gradually sinking southeastwards during the day with minimal amounts over Munster and Leinster with some areas staying dry, albeit cloudy.
Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees. Moderate southwest winds will veer northwesterly later, as clearer but colder weather follows.
Saturday night will be dry with clear spells apart from the odd shower across western and northern counties. Colder than recent nights with a change of airmass moving in; lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees with some frost possible. Moderate westerly winds will freshen towards morning.
Most areas will be dry on Sunday and rather breezy with some sunny spells. However, some scattered showers will occur too, mainly affecting Ulster and Connacht.
Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in mostly fresh southwest winds. Breezy on Sunday night with well scattered showers across Atlantic counties. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in fresh to strong southwest winds.
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