Met Éireann in subzero forecast but there's another twist on Ireland weather models

Met Éireann is forecasting Ireland's first real taste of winter with temperatures to plummet to -3 degrees in the coming days.

In its outlook for the weekend and early next week, Met Éireann said it will be "dry and cold at first with relatively widespread frosts on Friday night. Temperatures increasing later in the weekend as it turns dull and damp for a time."

They say Thursday night will be "cloudy over the southern half of the country at first with a few spots of light rain or drizzle before drier, clearer conditions in the north extends southwards.

"Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees generally, milder in the southwest with more persistent cloud there. West to northwest winds will ease mostly light to moderate but will remain fresher in the northeast."

Friday will be "a cool day generally, cloudy at first in the southwest with some light rain or drizzle possible, gradually clearing as dry weather as sunny spells elsewhere becomes widespread.

"Highest afternoon temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees generally, reaching a degree or two milder in the southwest. North to northwest winds will be mostly light or moderate, but fresh in the morning in the northeast.

"A cold, dry night with the first relatively widespread frost of the season with some icy stretches possible. Long clear spells will allow temperatures to fall between of -3 to +2 degrees. Some mist and fog will develop in light variable breezes."

They add that Saturday will be "a chilly start to the day with mist and fog slowly clearing and good sunny spells developing, especially away from northern and western coasts.

"Through the afternoon and evening, cloud will extend eastwards with some patchy rain and drizzle developing on Atlantic coasts by nightfall. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees generally, slightly milder in the southwest, in light variable breezes.

"Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with rain extending eastwards across the country. A clearance to showers will follow into west Connacht and west Munster towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees generally, coldest at first in the north and east before cloudier conditions build, milder though in the southwest. Southerly breezes will be light to moderate."

This Sunday will see "a good deal of cloud with rain gradually clearing eastwards, followed by scattered showers with some longer spells of rain possible in the west. Highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees in light to moderate southwest to west breezes.

"Further showers or spells of rain [Sunday night], gradually clearing southeastwards with most areas becoming dry by morning. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees in light to moderate northwesterly breezes with fog developing in places."

On Monday, forecasters predict "a few spots of light rain or drizzle at first with fog slow to clear. Cooler and sunnier conditions in the north, along with a few showers, will sink slowly down over the country through the day. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in mostly light to moderate northerly breezes."

Beyond that, they say "current indications suggest that it will turn cooler with showers at times but with a good deal of dry weather. Further frosty nights are likely."

Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Live is also monitoring the situation. 

The latest weather model show an increased chance of a cool end to Autumn and start to Winter next week. Subtle differences on the models but broad agreement at present on cooler air with the Atlantic blocked. Interesting weather model watching ahead but uncertain yet. pic.twitter.com/MSFkkZjbk4

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) November 22, 2023