A change in temperatures is on the way for Ireland after a mild Christmas and start to 2019, according to weather predictions.
Forecasters have signalled a higher risk of cold weather, frost and ice by the end of January due to a major ‘Sudden Stratospheric Warming’ event.
The SSW peaked at the beginning of January 2019 and is expected to take a number of weeks to reach the lowest part of the earth’s atmosphere, according to Met Eireann Meteorologist Liz Walsh.
Under certain conditions, the event could lead to bitterly cold air pushing in over Ireland, similar to February/March 2018, when the ‘Beast from the East’ led to plummeting temperatures.
Walsh said it is too early to forecast snowfall yet, but added: “the guidance suggests an increased risk of colder than average weather with frost and ice likely to be more prevalent than of late.”
“At the moment, our weather is expected to be either milder than or near average out to the next 7 to 10 days, with an Atlantic regime gradually returning as high pressure slips away to the southwest. With the exception of mountaintops, snow is therefore unlikely over the next 7 to 10 day period,” she said.
The outlook for this week shows that frosty nights are on the way. Temperatures are due to drop to lows of -3C on Wednesday night with a risk of ice. Thursday is also due to be frosty for a time with lows of -1C.
Met Eireann said: “It looks set to be rather chilly over the weekend with occasional rain. There is the risk of frost by night, especially on Sunday night.”
The change in conditions comes as Britain braces itself for a cold front with snow and freezing conditions resulting from the sudden stratospheric warming.
As for Ireland, Met Eireann are not commenting on predictions just yet.
Walsh said: “Whether we will get the synoptic set-up which could result in snowfall remains highly uncertain. But as always, we’ll keep you posted.”