Majority of Ireland on snow alert as 'ridge of Greenland weather' heads our way

Ireland is bracing for a fresh blast of Arctic weather with temperatures set to plummet to -5 or -6 and the possibility of widespread snow at the end of next week and second week of February, according to forecasters.

Forecasters are now monitoring the new cold snap which looks to be making its way towards Ireland on weather models. Weather Alerts Ireland were first to say "there are signs that winter could return with Arctic air pushing down over Ireland from later next week."

Met Eireann's outlook predicts things will remain "mild and breezy for a time with further spells of rain on Thursday [next week]", though they say "there's a chance it'll turn colder later in the week or for the following weekend with clear or bright spells and showers or longer spells of precipitation, some of it possibly wintry, and with some frost and ice."

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has said "major changes are on the way as we head into next week as the jet stream that dictates our weather looks like slipping away to the south allowing a corridor of much colder air from the north to take hold through next Tuesday, and then especially from Thursday/Friday onwards."

The meteorologist added: "Until then however, the Atlantic remains firmly in control with a mild westerly airflow bringing with it plenty of cloud, some rain and temperatures well above average for the time of year. This will make for an overcast weekend with plenty of cloud and little in the way of sunshine.

"A cold front passes southwards on Tuesday, delivering an initial change to colder weather, but a second Atlantic low pressure brings a risk of snow to parts of Ulster initially next Thursday and the later to the south as well. Given the time constraints however the timing and location is likely to change.

"Thereafter a classic Atlantic blocking ridge across Greenland begins to develop with a cold north to northeasterly flow developing, feeding down plenty of showers, the majority of which by next weekend will be falling as snow, leading to some accumulations in places.

"In conclusion, the milder Atlantic flow we’re experiencing at present will hold out until Tuesday, with a more definite change occurring through Thursday, followed then by a return to wintry conditions and a renewed risk of snowfall and associated wintry hazards."

In the meantime, Met Éireann forecasters say that "Saturday will be mostly cloudy in Munster, Leinster and southern parts of Connacht with scattered outbreaks of light rain and drizzle. Ulster and north Connacht will be mainly dry with some bright or sunny intervals and a few isolated light showers. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with light to moderate westerly breezes.

"Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Some mist and hill and coastal fog too. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in mostly moderate westerly winds.

"Cloudy for a time with rain and drizzle, becoming mostly confined to Ulster into the afternoon [on Sunday], where it'll be persistent in parts. Drier and becoming a little brighter elsewhere with some sunny spells, the best chance across Munster and south Leinster. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in moderate to fresh and occasionally gusty southwest winds."

Met Éireann's latest forecast says "the persistent rain in Ulster will clear away northwards early on Sunday night" and that "there'll be some clear spells, but overall a good lot of cloud with a little patchy light rain and drizzle at times, especially further west. Some mist too. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in mostly moderate southwest winds, occasionally fresh and gusty at times in some coastal parts.

"On Monday, A few bright spells, the best of these further east, but mostly cloudy and while there'll be plenty of dry weather, there'll be scattered patches of light rain and drizzle around, especially in western parts. Highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees. Breezy; with fresh and gusty southwest winds, becoming strong at times in coastal parts of the northwest and west."

They add: "A cold front will start to move down from the northwest on Monday night, bringing persistent and at times heavier rain, mainly into the north and west, while staying drier further to the south and east. Continuing breezy with fresh and gusty southwest winds, stronger in some coastal parts. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees.

"Tuesday will be a cloudy day with that band of rain continuing to move down across the country, persistent and heavy at times. Still mild for many for much of the day, but drier, clearer and colder weather will start to follow from the north. Highest afternoon temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees in parts of the north, to between 9 and 12 degrees elsewhere. Breezy with the rain with mostly fresh, occasionally strong and gusty southwest winds, but the winds will veer northwesterly as the rain clears and ease.

"Dry, bright and chilly for a time on Wednesday, probably for much of the day, but with rain starting to move up from the southwest later. Cooler than previous days with highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees.

"That rain will extend countrywide on Wednesday night and will be heavy at times. Breezy too, with moderate to fresh southeast winds. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees, but becoming milder with the rain."

It's after that our weather will turn colder. Met Éireann says: "The weather will turn a bit more changeable and unsettled then next week with pressure dropping, bringing more in the way of persistent and heavy rain at times, though some drier, brighter weather at times too. Temperatures will fluctuate through next week with alternating mild and colder spells."