Ireland could be in for a snow storm within days, with a dramatic departure from recent mild conditions to a much colder and stormier climate as the New Year approaches.
Forecasters are particularly concerned about the prospects on New Year's Day when there is still some uncertainty about the track and intensity of a potential storm system.
The weather models are at odds; one suggests heavy rain and strong winds, while another indicates a risk of widespread snowfall. Nonetheless, all current models concur that the impending storm will pull in Arctic air, resulting in a prolonged spell of cold weather.
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According to data from various agencies, a storm system arriving overnight on January 1 will bring fierce gales and intense rain, alongside widespread snowfall, reports The Irish Mirror.
It's expected to first hit land in the southwest and then travel northeast throughout New Year's Day before making its way into the Irish Sea.
Post-storm, the weather predictions indicate an enormous Arctic blast dominating the country for up to a week, with temperatures potentially plummeting to -9C in places.
Irish weather specialist Alan O'Reilly commented on the looming conditions via his Carlow Weather social media platforms, saying: "Another cloudy day today but it's all eyes on New Year's Day weather models as risk of storm increases but the details still vary on models with position of storm varying. One model brings wind and rain while the other brings risk of snow. Either way cold will follow after! ".
Met Eireann has forecasted a stark weather change, hinting at a colder and more unpredictable first week of January.
Following a wet and breezy New Year's Eve and continued rain and strong winds on New Year's Day, the overall outlook indicates that we'll be shivering in lower temperatures soon, reports the Irish Mirror.
According to Met Eireann's statement, "A change to colder, more unsettled conditions is expected to take place in the first week of the new year as colder air dips over the region, with the dry conditions experienced for the Christmas period giving way to more rainy weather."
Meanwhile, the immediate predictions state: "Outbreaks of rain will affect northern and western areas on Saturday morning. The rain will become patchier as it slowly moves southeastwards during the day with minimal amounts over Munster and Leinster. Highest temperatures of 8C to 11C in light to moderate southwest winds."
"Overall dry Saturday night with clear spells apart from the odd shower across western and northern counties. Colder than recent nights with lowest temperatures of 2C to 6C. Moderate southwesterly winds will freshen towards morning."
"Mostly dry, and rather breezy Sunday with some sunny spells and scattered showers for the north and west. Highest temperatures of 8C to 11C in moderate to fresh southwest winds."
Breezy Sunday night with rain in the northwest and well scattered showers across Atlantic counties. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 9C in fresh to strong southwest winds."
"Staying breezy Monday with outbreaks of rain across Ulster and Connacht, possibly turning heavier through the day. Mostly dry elsewhere with sunny spells."
"Highest temperatures of 9C to 12C in fresh to strong southwest winds. Becoming mostly cloudy overnight Monday with outbreaks of rain becoming more widespread. Parts of the south and southeast may hold dry. Lowest temperatures of 8C to 11C."
