Weather experts in ominous warning about ‘coldest spell since 2010’ with heavy snow on the way

James Fenton

Weather experts have warned of a ‘significant cold spell’ next week, with one saying that it could be the coldest spell of weather in Ireland since December 2010.

Cathal Nolan of Ireland’s Weather Channel has shared an update on Facebook which is ominously headlined ‘Beast From The East to return’ before warning of the potential for Ireland’s ‘coldest spell since December 2010.’

He said that the reason for this is ‘due to the development of a blocking anticyclone over Scandinavia which will allow for an easterly flow to develop across the country while a low pressure system over Northern France feeds in sufficient moisture to cause the development of lake effect snow over the Irish Sea.’

He adds that ‘many areas including much of Leinster, southeast Ulster, and southeast Munster will see heavy snow showers developing along distinctive bands, known as streamers, with heavy falls of snow likely in areas where these streamers pass over. While estimations are difficult by the end of next week some areas could see over 15-20 cm of snow on the ground, possibly more in some cases.

‘Temperatures will fall away dramatically over the weekend and into next week, with daytime values remaining below freezing at -1 or -2 by the early days on next week. Nighttime values will consistently fall to below -5 degrees Celsius, with temperatures of as low as -10 likely in some areas under clear skies, light winds and snow cover.

‘If the charts hold firm then this could well be the coldest spell of weather in Ireland and the UK since December 2010. Disruption to transport services would be likely in some areas if the resulting charts materialise as indicated, with eastern and central areas expected to beat the brunt of such conditions.’

Meanwhile, Alan O’Reilly over at Carlow Weather has said that ‘confidence in significant cold spell is increasing,’ owning to ‘cold air flooding in the from east next Monday.’

https://twitter.com/CarlowWeather/status/1356994007054827523

Met Éireann is already tentatively predicting ‘significant snow accumulations‘ in parts of Ireland next week and if all of this rings true, we could be forced to stay at home for more reasons than one. It might be an idea to bookmark this page for the next week or so. Stay safe out there.