Ireland is set to see its first snowfall of the season this weekend.
Temperatures across the country are expected to drop significantly over the following days, with temperatures expected to be between 7 and 11 degrees across most of the country today, before dropping to as low as 3 or 4 degrees on Saturday. Ireland will be affected by a northern polar air flow which could see some snow on higher ground, with Donegal most likely to experience snowfall first.
Northern and western counties will be the worst affected as snow moves in on Saturday, while prevailing winds following Storm barney will ease slightly as we move into the weekend. Higher areas across the country are expected to receive “a light dusting of snow”, with the Dublin Mountains likely to be covered in white.
Today is set to be cool and breezy with light patches of frost, however as we look to the weekend, winter will envelope the country. Friday night will see wintry showers, especially in Ulster and north Connacht and on higher ground elsewhere. A blustery northwest to north breeze is expected, with temperatures falling to around zero with a sharp frost and the danger of icy patches on roads.
Saturday will be a cold and breezy day, with some wintry showers in the north. Cloud will thicken in the west and some showery rain or sleet will develop there during the day. Saturday night will be colder still with frost developing and becoming sharp or severe in some midland and eastern areas as winds fall off light.
Sunday is set to be a cold, bright day with lighter northerly breezes. Many places will be dry but a few coastal showers are likely in parts of the north and east and frost is expected overnight. Fortunately, if you’re not a fan of the frost, warmer temperatures are expected from Tuesday onwards.