Ireland put on snow alert as weather forecaster says 'winter's not finished'

Ireland may not be out of the winter woods just yet as one forecaster had predicted sleet and possibly even snow in some ares of the country later this week.

Sharing details of his regular weekly forecast, meteorologist Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel, who accurately predicted the snow that fell overnight on February 29 despite no Met Éireann warnings, has said we could get more of it in the coming days.

He said "winter's not over yet" as he shared details of the big freeze forecast. It may be Friday before the coldest weather arrives but Cathal has predicted snow in areas above 200 metres. It may not be as widespread as last month's fall.

In his forecast for the week, Cathal said Tuesday would enjoy a "sunny start across many areas with some pleasant spells of spring sunshine.

"Cloud will increase during the afternoon and evening with some outbreaks of rain developing across the southern half of the country."
He says there will be "a cloudy start [on Wednesday] along the east coast but sunny skies elsewhere will spread eastwards across the country, setting the stage for a pleasant spring day with temperatures getting up to 13 or 14 degrees Celsius."

His forecast continued: "A dry start on Thursday but cloudy overall with some outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the west becoming more widespread during the evening. Highs of up to 12-13 degrees Celsius.

"Friday will be a bright showery day across the country with showers becoming widespread during the afternoon and evening as temperatures readily fall. On Friday night the showers will turn increasingly wintry with hail and sleet possible to lower levels, with falls of snow possible above 200 metres giving some accumulations on mountains.

"A showery start to Saturday with a cold northwesterly airflow feeding in further wintry showers, though mostly of rain or hail to lowers levels, with sleet and snow over 300-400 metres with some accumulations in the morning hours here.

"A dry sunny start on Sunday but rain will spread from the west later in the day."

Met Éireann is also forecasting a downturn in temperatures but has stopped short of predicting snow.

Their outlook says: "Mild with rain on Thursday. Turning cooler for Friday and the weekend with blustery showers."

They add that Friday will be "a blustery day with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers. Some showers may be heavy with a chance of hail. Fresh and gusty northwest winds with highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees."

They say Saturday will be "windy with showers and some sunny spells. Some heavy showers are possible with the continued chance of hail. Fresh to strong and gusty northwest winds. Feeling cooler too with highest temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees."