Ireland cold weather: Latest forecast for snow and -7 degrees but change is coming

Ireland is once again bracing for plunging temperatures with lows of -7 degrees expected early next week, according to one forecaster.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has said temperatures will plummet over the weather and that snow could impact numerous areas. 

In an update, Cathal said: "We’re on the cusp of the weekend, but, we’re also on the cusp of the coldest spell of weather so far this winter. Changes are ahead, hopefully here I can answer some of your questions as the picture becomes somewhat clearer.

"That change towards much colder weather begins on Sunday as a weak cold front clears the country during the late morning, introducing clearer, colder air with some wintry showers following behind, readily turning to snow later across the north. Temperatures on Sunday night reaching -5 in some areas.

"Similar conditions are likely on Monday with good sunny spells in most areas, but snow showers will continue along exposed coasts in Ulster and North Connacht with some accumulations likely here. Elsewhere it’s dry and sunny with temperatures struggling to break freezing. Lows on Monday night down to -6 degrees Celsius.

"Tuesday for most is dry and sunny, though cloud will thicken across the north in the morning as a weak front perhaps brings some snow for a time, but more details on that in due course. Highs struggling to break freezing once again, with lows on Tuesday night down to -6 degrees Celsius again.

"Wednesday sees low pressure pass to the south of Ireland, briefly switching the winds to a more northeasterly source, which will introduce the risk of some flurries for a time along coasts in Leinster. Further showers across the north and northwest with further accumulations here. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Highs -1 to +2, with lows down to -7 in some areas.

"Thursday will be mostly dry and sunny right across the country as a ridge of high pressure builds in briefly, highs again struggling to break freezing, with lows down to -7 or locally -8 degrees in some places as winds fall light.

"Friday begins dry and sunny for all, but high clouds builds from the west late in the day but not before temperatures again dip below freezing.

"Saturday we’re likely to see a break in our weather with a band of rain and strengthening winds pushing in from the west. Some of the rain may initially fall as sleet or snow, but quickly turning to rain.

"Sunday is a colder day with strong west to northwest winds, with a risk of heavy showers, some wintry over higher ground.
In summary, it’s a very cold week for all with severe frosts overnight and the likelihood of that frost persisting throughout the day in sheltered areas. Mostly sunny for all, though accumulations of snow are likely across Ulster, north Connacht and possible along the Southwest also. The cold weather remains in place until Saturday, with more of an Atlantic influence thereafter."

Meanwhile, Met Eireann also predicts very cold weather over the weekend and next week. Their outlook says conditions look like "remaining very cold with mixed weather."

They say Friday will be a mostly cloudy and dry day, "however a few breaks in the cloud will occur allowing a few bright or sunny spells through at times. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in light northeast or variable breezes.

"Calm and mostly dry tonight [Friday]. However a little patchy light rain or drizzle is possible along northern coasts overnight. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees, with some frost possible under any clear spells, coldest in Munster and Leinster where some clear spells are expected. A few patches of mist or fog possible."

Their Saturday forecast reads: "Dry in many areas at first with a few bright or sunny spells, however cloudier in Ulster with rain and drizzle. The rain and drizzle will move southwards during the afternoon and evening but it may hold dry in Munster for much of the day. Highest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees, coldest in the south, in a light and variable breeze.

"Patchy light rain or drizzle will continue sinking southwards [on Saturday night], with clear spells following in the north later. Cold and frosty with lowest temperatures of -3 to +2 degrees."

On Sunday, Met Éireann foresee "a mix of sunny spells and cloud to start with patches of light rain or drizzle. Brightening up with further sunny spells developing through the day, with just isolated showers. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in a light to moderate northerly wind.

"Very cold with clear spells and widespread frost [on Sunday night]. Most areas will be dry but there will be isolated wintry showers, mainly feeding into northern areas on a light to moderate northerly breeze. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +1 degrees.

"Cold with frost slow to clear [on Monday]. Most places will be dry and sunny but it will be cloudier in the north and west, bringing scattered wintry showers. Highest temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees in a light northerly wind.

"Current indications suggest Tuesday will be cloudier than previous days, with rain turning to sleet or snow at times over the northern half of the country. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees with light to moderate southwest or variable breezes."