MET Éireann says heavy rain and ‘some snow’ due Monday and Tuesday

We’re in for another bitterly cold week as MET Éireann forecasts sleet, snow, ice and frost (though not enough to warrant stocking up on bread, as per last year).

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The national weather service says Monday will start off dry in most areas, becoming wet in the afternoon, followed by more wintery conditions. A status yellow snow-ice warning has been issued for the entire country; coming into effect at 9 pm on Monday, and remaining in place until 7 pm on Tuesday.

Here’s what to expect for the days ahead…

Monday

According to forecasters, Monday will start off dry in many areas, with early-morning frost soon clearing. However, outbreaks of heavy rain along the west and southwest coasts will gradually extend eastwards to all areas.

By late afternoon, the rain will be heavy nationwide and “may be preceded by sleet over northern hills”.

Dry in many areas at first today with frost clearing. Outbreaks of rain already along W & SW coasts, will gradually extend eastwards to all areas during the course of the aft & eve. Rain will be heavy for a time & may be preceded by sleet over N hills. Cold, highs of 4 to 8 deg. pic.twitter.com/7FXeVya85D

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 21, 2019

Not only that, the rain will be accompanied by fresh (read cold), strong and gusty south-to-southwest winds. These winds will likely reach gale force on Atlantic coasts.

Then, as the evening moves on, clear and cold conditions are expected; with wintry showers and northwest winds on the cards.

Monday night into Tuesday morning

Showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow are expected overnight, as well as a risk of thunder. MET Éireann warns people to expect frost and icy patches on untreated surfaces, as lowest temperatures range from minus two to plus two degrees Celsius. With that in mind, make sure to take care when traveling on Tuesday morning.

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Moving into Tuesday, MET Éireann says it will be cold with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. There will be a light dusting of snow in parts (particularly on high ground but possibly on low ground too).

As the day goes on, expect some showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow (which will be most frequent in the west and north of the country). These wintry showers will be largely confined to northern areas by late evening; with long, clear, icy spells expected elsewhere.

A cold and frosty sunrise, looking east from the forecast office balcony this morning. pic.twitter.com/Gkd7LB3cQ6

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 21, 2019

For more information on today’s forecast, see Met.ie.

Photo: Left, RTÉ Weather; Right, MET Éireann