Met Eireann forecasters are predicting heavy rain to turn to sleet and “significant snowfall accumulations” across Munster in the coming hours as Ireland’s deep freeze goes on.
It’s been a very frosty start to the year, and after a week plunged into the ice box, we can expect the Arctic blast to continue into late next week at least.
Accumulations of 5cm or more are likely to fall in 24 hours in parts, with freezing temperatures remaining “bitterly cold” over the coming days. While we’re on alert for snow this weekend, it’s next week when the mercury will really plummet – as low as -8 degrees by Tuesday night.
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
In the national forecaster’s latest update, it has explained that it issued a Status Orange for multiple counties ahead of “a band of rain moving up over Ireland from the southwest during Saturday will turn increasingly to sleet and snow through Saturday evening and Saturday night with some impactful snow accumulations expected in places before the system clears away to the east during Sunday.”
Heavy rain is forecast for Kerry and Cork on Saturday evening and night and will remain as rain for southern parts of the counties with some localised flooding possible. Yellow rain/snow warnings have been issued for these counties. Falls of sleet and snow are most likely away from the coast and particularly at higher elevations in the north of the two counties.
An area of low pressure will bring precipitation across the country this afternoon, through Saturday night, clearing into the Irish Sea during Sunday afternoon. As the mild moist air meets the cold Arctic air, the rain will turn to sleet and snow in many areas.
And the cold weather will continue “well into next week” as a cold Arctic northerly airflow becomes established from Sunday night. Lying snow will persist in some areas with frosty and icy conditions countrywide. By Tuesday night, we could be seeing temperatures as low as -8 degrees.
Forecasters say: “Significant snowfall accumulations expected across parts of Munster and south Leinster as heavy rain transitions to sleet and snow on Saturday evening, continuing right through to Sunday. Accumulations of 5cm or more are likely in 24 hours.”
“Very difficult travelling conditions are expected with poor visibility in any sleet or snow. This will also cause significant travel disruptions and difficult ground conditions.”
Met Eireann has warned that even in areas with less snow, the weather is still expected to be impactful with ice and 1-5cm of snow likely with travel issues.
Met Eireann’s Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman said: “a lot of people will be returning home from the festive holidays this weekend. We want people to take heed of the warnings and plan in advance as there will be some really tricky driving conditions out there for a near 24-hour period.
“This rain, sleet and snow will be coupled with blustery east to northeast winds at times which could lead to some drifting snow for as time as well.”
The weather expert added: “the cold Arctic air will return on Sunday evening and stay with us right out into next week. It will be bitterly cold next week with some lying snow, widespread severe frost and ice and scattered wintry showers. There could be further complications with freezing fog at times, so we ask people to stay in contact with the weather forecasts and be prepared.”