Temperatures could dip to -8 in Ireland within days as weather experts monitor cold blast

Ireland could be set for a real taste of winter with -8 degree temperatures potentially hitting the country next week, according to some weather models.

Weather experts are monitoring the potential cold blast as Met Éireann has indicated that from next weekend, things will be "turning colder with frosty nights and mornings and a chance of fog too."

Meanwhile, Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather is also watching the potential temperature dip on weather models. 

He said: "High pressure building later in week and more settled and cooler with risk of fog and frost. Very uncertain what happens after the weekend but weather models show a risk of a brief blast of colder air from East but some models keep it away from Ireland so wait and see for now, in case you see any crazy headlines."

Between now and then, Met Éireann still predicts plenty of unsettled weather despite the high pressure coming our way.

"Rain will extend northeastwards to most areas this morning [Tuesday], with scattered showers in the northwest. Some heavy and thundery bursts are possible, especially in the south, and may cause localised flooding. The rain will gradually clear eastwards through the afternoon and will be followed by brighter spells and scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees with light to moderate south to southwest winds, freshening for a time in Munster.

"Tonight there will be a mix of clear spells and scattered showers. Some will be heavy and there's a chance of hail and thunder. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees in a light to moderate south to southwest wind, fresh at times in the southwest."

High pressure building later in week and more settled and cooler with risk of fog and frost. Very uncertain what happens after the weekend but weather models show a risk of a brief blast of colder air from East but some models keep it away from Ireland so wait and see for now, in… pic.twitter.com/sYHzA4pHjO

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 1, 2024

They say Wednesday "will bring sunny spells and scattered showers, most frequent in the south and west. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in a light to moderate westerly wind, fresh to strong at times in the southwest.

"On Wednesday night, scattered showers will continue on Wednesday night, with clear spells in between. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees in a light to moderate west to southwest wind."

Met Éireann predicts some "sunny spells and well scattered showers on Thursday, along with light to moderate variable winds. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees.

"Thursday night will be mostly dry with long clear spells. There'll be a few showers around, mainly near Atlantic coasts. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees with light to moderate west to northwest winds.

"Most areas look set to be dry and sunny on Friday morning and for a time in the afternoon. There'll be some showers near Atlantic coasts and these may drift further inland later in the day. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees with a light to moderate and variable wind.

"A mix of clear spells and showers on Friday night. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees with light to moderate northerly or variable winds."

Looking to the weekend, forecasters at Met Éireann say "many areas are forecast to see a lot of dry and bright weather at the weekend, although there will be showers at times. Turning colder with frosty nights and mornings and a chance of fog too."