A leading weather forecaster has claimed that he's deeply concerned over a tipping point that could send Ireland into a deep freeze.
Cathal Nolan of Ireland's Weather Channel shared a report that showed the collapse of the Atlantic current could be closer than thought and could plunge Ireland into a "centuries long deep freeze similar to the Younger Dryas period."
Soon-to-be-published research may have shown how previously published papers underestimated the risk of the AMOC collapse. Because of this, "climate models are downplaying the immediate threat of passing this climate tipping point," claims Cathal Nolan.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is a system of ocean currents including the Gulf Stream that carries heat to northern parts that need it due to their proximity to the Arctic.
When this previously occured, glaciers could be found across Ireland, sea ice packed the ocean during winter and "storminess increased, annual winter temperatures were similar to the present day interior of Iceland, and our summers were warmer, albeit much shorter than we currently enjoy," Cathal said.
Cathal is urging officials in Ireland to start considering the implications of the ocean currents' collapse, which some scientists claim could happen as soon as 2025, with a median chance of collapsing by 2050.
"Policies should focus on how to adapt and mitigate against the worst of these conditions and shouldn't focus on implementing unfair taxes and punitive measures which will impact those least responsible for causing anthropogenic climate change and who are least capable of paying such taxes."
"As a qualified climate scientist, with no vested interests or conspiratorial financing, this issue is what causes me the greatest concern. Society as we know it in Ireland wouldn’t be able to function in its current form," Cathal added.
Meanwhile Met Eireann has published its latest forecast for the west which forecasts the day starting with some mist and fog before it clears in the afternoon to leave a bright and dry day. Highest temperatures of 13 - 15 degrees.
TodayMist and fog patches will gradually clear through the morning to leave a dry day for many with limited bright spells. Patchy rain will move in through the late afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees in light westerly or variable breezes.
TonightMostly dry overnight with some clear spells, especially in the southeast. Some rain and drizzle too. Lowest temperatures generally of 9 to 11 degrees in light, southwest or variable breezes with mist and fog patches developing.
TomorrowLargely dry albeit a mostly cloudy day with just a little light rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in light southwesterly or variable breezes.
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