Beast from the East 2? Significant snowfall predicted for most of the country this week

Met Éireann has issued a national weather advisory for snow and ice until Wednesday as bitterly cold bands of air whip down from Scandinavia. With it, it’s expected to bring an icy wind chill and, once it reaches the mild air front of Ireland, snow.

It’ll begin in the east of the country on Monday and Tuesday with a light covering before blanketing most of the country with heavy snow on Wednesday night and Thursday. Temperatures will remain very cold too, with 1-3ºC during the day and well into the minus digits at night.

With estimates of five centimetres of snowfall expected across the country and icy temperatures, it’s expected that the snow will hang around through the weekend in some parts, particularly Leinster and Ulster.

Pedestrians and motorists are cautioned to be very careful with icy footpaths and difficult road conditions. Coupled with the new €100 fine for cross-country travel kicking in from today, there’s never been a better reason to tasty at home.

Sledges at the ready

In typical fashion, Ireland is awaiting the expected snowfall with bated breath. #Sneachta is trending on Twitter and many are outraged that the snow hasn’t arrived yet.

I am disgusted. My weather app said it should have been #sneachta-ing here since 10pm and not a flake to be seen. pic.twitter.com/yFCE8umPKe

— Jen Hogan? (@mama_tude) February 7, 2021

Twitter lies. See #sneachta trending then when it’s sunrise I open the window and?.. Nothing. No Sneachta.

— Faye (@faye1871) February 8, 2021

Me waiting for the #sneachta pic.twitter.com/zLxYmOOacT

— Yvonne M (@Vee_McCee) February 7, 2021

But all can rest assured, while today might give just a light dusting in eastern parts, heavy snowfall is due later in the week.