Urgent cold weather warning for Ireland - but latest Met Eireann forecast has a positive twist

Ireland is preparing for a cold snap with temperatures expected to drop below freezing and frosty conditions on the way. However, Met Eireann hints at a potential 'Indian summer' later this month, with high-pressure systems possibly bringing warmer and drier weather.

Ireland is bracing for a significant cold snap as frosty conditions are set to sweep across the country. Met Eireann has warned that temperatures could drop below freezing at times, bringing with it frost, mist and fog.

The first signs of this cooling trend will be felt tonight when temperatures are forecast to plunge to around 0C or even lower after dark. The eastern and southern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the cold, while the western and northern coasts may enjoy slightly milder weather.

As we move through the weekend, the cold weather is set to persist, with nighttime temperatures hovering around freezing. During the day, highs are expected to reach only about 8C at times.

The national forecaster has cautioned that the remainder of this week will feel "cool for the time of year." However, there is a silver lining in the upcoming forecast.

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Met Eireann has hinted at the possibility of an 'Indian summer' later this month, suggesting that warmer and more pleasant weather could be on the horizon. The term 'Indian summer' refers to a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather that sometimes graces the autumn months.

Its latest long-range forecast shows promising signals for high-pressure systems to settle over Ireland from October 21 to November 3. These high-pressure systems are known for bringing fine, warm weather while reducing rainfall. In its recent outlook, the meteorological service noted a predicted shift towards more settled conditions, with milder-than-average temperatures and below-average rainfall expected during this period.

It said for the week of October 21 to October 27: “A more settled situation is signalled for this week with low pressure in the Atlantic declining and high pressure from mainland Europe exerting a greater influence over the country. Milder than average conditions are expected throughout and rainfall amounts will likely be around or below normal for the time of year. No hazardous weather is signalled at present.”

Looking ahead to the following week of October 28 to November 3 it added: “This week has a continued signal for mostly settled conditions though potentially with a decline towards the end of the week. Temperatures are indicated to be mostly above average and precipitation amounts are indicated to be below normal.”

Adding to the optimism for an 'Indian summer,' recent weather maps have turned red, indicating that a warm air plume could envelop the country during this two-week period.

However, it is important to note that long-range weather models are notoriously subject to change. Met Eireann acknowledges that its extended forecasts “can sometimes provide insights into weather patterns,” but also cautions that they have “generally low skill” because predictions beyond one week become increasingly uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere.

In the meantime, Ireland will have to endure an early taste of winter, with freezing temperatures expected this weekend.

The full forecast for the coming days reads: "Largely dry, clear and cold across the country Thursday night, however, it will be a little less cold and cloudier near western and northern coasts with isolated showers there. Lowest temperatures of 0C to 4C , possibly dipping lower locally with a slight frost in sheltered spots. Winds will be mainly light westerly or variable, with a few mist or fog patches forming also.

"Cold to begin tomorrow, Friday, with any frost and mist clearing in the morning. The rest of the day will be mainly dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells, although a few showers will affect parts of the west and northwest. Highest temperatures of 9C to 13C in light to moderate southwest or variable breezes. Variable cloud and clear spells on Friday night with scattered showers near western and northwestern coasts at first. The showers will turn heavy and may merge to longer spells of rain by morning in the north and west, but it looks like it will stay mainly dry further south and east. Lowest temperatures of 2C to 5C where clear spells prevail in south and east, 6C to 9C elsewhere. Light to moderate southwest winds will be fresher near northwestern coasts.

"A mix of cloud and sunny spells Saturday with showers or longer spells of rain in the north and west spreading elsewhere on Saturday morning and afternoon. A clearance to sunny spells will extend to most parts by evening. Highest temperatures of 10C to 13C , generally but 8C to 10C in Ulster, with moderate westerly winds. Saturday night will be cold and mostly dry with variable cloud amounts and clear spells. A few showers are possible in the northwest. Lowest temperatures of 1C to 5C with light, variable breezes.

"Current indications are for a mainly dry start to Sunday with cloud gradually thickening from the Atlantic through the day. Patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle look likely to affect coastal counties of the south and west from afternoon, with the rain turning heavier and more persistent during Sunday evening and spreading elsewhere. Highest temperatures of 10C to 13C generally, but 8C to 10C in Ulster. Light to moderate southeasterly breezes freshening near coasts by evening. Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards over the country on Sunday night. Light to moderate southeast to east breezes will be fresh to strong near coasts. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 9C , coolest in Ulster.

"Some uncertainty looking ahead to next week, but probably a little milder and breezy or windy at times around midweek with the potential for showers or longer spells of rain."

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