COLD WEEKEND AHEAD WITH FROST, ICY ROADS, SNOW, HAIL & RAIN AS A ARCTIC AIR-MASS VISITS IRELAND
COLD WEEKEND AHEAD AS ARCTIC AIR ARRIVES FRIDAY AND LASTS OVER THE WEEKEND
So the coldest spell of weather since last March is set to hit Ireland and the UK at the end of this week and over the weekend as a cold Arctic air mass feeds down over the country. There have been reports in the media that it will be the coldest weather in October in 200 year but this is rubbish and untrue. Back at the end of October 2012 we had a similar set up with snow showers and hail reported in parts of Ireland and the UK. Back in 2008 a very cold air mass also hit at the end of October with the earliest lying snow recorded in London in 100 years. This spell will not be as cold as the 2012 and 2008
Below you will find what is in store this weekend for Ireland
Continues below
IRELAND
WIND & TEMPERATURES
The coldest days will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday with temperatures in some areas only in single figures with Saturday been the coldest.
FRIDAY DAY/NIGHT
Temperatures on Friday will range between 7C to 11C with temperatures overnight dipping to -1C to 3C frost and ice will develop across many parts especially in inland areas.
SATURDAY DAY/NIGHT
Temperatures will only range between 5C to 9C with temperatures overnight dipping to -4C to 2C frost and ice will develop nationwide and be widespread.
SUNDAY DAY/NIGHT
Temperatures will only range between 7C to 8C with temperatures overnight dipping to -4C to 2C frost and ice will develop nationwide and be widespread.
PRECIPITATION
Lower levels will not see any snow this weekend anywhere in Ireland any snow will be over the higher ground and mountains across ulster Over the hills and mountains of Donegal, Sperrin mountains, Antrim Hills & Mournes where a few centimeters may be likely so anyone hiking this weekend over higher ground beware of that along with the colder sub-zero conditions.
Lower level areas of the Connacht and Ulster will see the heaviest of the showers this weekend with rain and hail with some brief accumulations of hail possible in any of the showers which turn very heavy with a risk of Thunder. There will be a few isolated showers elsewhere across Ireland some which might be of rain and hail but over all it will be cool, crisp and sunny weekend. Heaviest of the showers across Ulster and Connacht will be along north facing coastal areas.
At present the current indications is for rain to move in from the west on Monday morning moving eastwards and spreading across Ireland over the day with wet conditions everywhere by midday rain will turn heavy in places over the day with temperatures between 7C to 11C.
WINDCHILL
With temperatures in single figures and a very strong northerly winds it will feel evening colder over the day and night with the wind chill factor at around 2C to -1C by day and even colder by night.
FROST AND ICE
This weekend gritting teams may take to the roads for the first time this season as temperatures of around -4C look possible. Any where that does see showers over the day or night hours be extremely cautious on roads if traveling in a vehicle as icy conditions on roads and footpaths look likely to develop this weekend. Also note that road surface/ground temperatures can be much colder than air temperatures leading to a false sense that roads are fine. Caution is advised on any roads especially over the night and early morning hours.
If you manage to get any videos or photos this weekend please to send them on to Donegal Weather Channel at info@donegalweatherchannel.ie or pm to Facebook.