Will it snow on Christmas Day? Met Éireann gives final verdict and there's good and bad news

WILL IRELAND see snow this Christmas Day? According to Met Éireann say it will be doubtful that the country will see snow as strong winds are forecasted. 

Between now and the big day Ireland will see strong winds with strong to near gale force, gusty west to northwest winds and with gales in northern areas and near coasts. 

These gusty winds are set to stay around until Saturday when outbreaks of rain will take over. Through Saturday evening and night more persistent rain will spread southeastwards across the country.

Christmas Eve will be mild and mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain, possibly heavy at times. A clearance to cooler, clearer weather will start to extend from the northwest later in the day. Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 or 14 degrees with moderate to fresh southwest winds.

Christmas day looks like being a cold, bright day with sunshine and showers, heaviest and most frequent in the west and north with a chance of hail. It may become windy in the north towards evening with heavier or prolonged showers and a possibility of thunder. Cooler than previous days with highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees and moderate to fresh, gusty westerly winds, possibly strong in the north later.

That night will be cold with clear spells and a few showers. Frost may develop in places. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees with winds easing.