Met Eireann this morning has briefed the local authorities on the very cold weather set to arrive over Ireland on Sunday and next week.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) says it is liaising with local authorities to prepare for a severe weather response if necessary.

Met Éireann has warned there is a potential for a significant snow event next week.

The NDFEM and the national forecaster briefed local authorities early on Friday morning. They said the relevant Government departments are making contingency plans.

Very cold temperatures are expected next week with lows of -6C or -7C possible in places at night with day time temperatures struggling in some places to rise above freezing with values of -1C to 3C

Leinster, east and north Ulster will be most at risk of snow showers coming in the form of sea streamers also known as lake effect snow which will form into organized bands of snow at times with the potential for some thunderstorm activity also. Highest accumulations are likely to occur across the eastern half of Leinster into east Ulster. Some snow showers that become organized will also work there way further inland due to the strong easterly wind behind them with some parts of east Connacht and mid Munster possibly seen a dusting but not all areas at risk.

Some of these showers from Monday to Wednesday could see accumulations build up and accumulating in excess of 10cm possibly even as high as 20cm in some parts of the east but not all areas there. The fine details are yet uncertain but come Saturday evening into Sunday much more detail will be known and places that will be at a higher risk in the advisory area will become more clear.

SEVERE WINDCHILL FACTOR - STRONG EASTERLY WINDS

A severe Windchill is also expected next week espically on Monday and Tuesday with a Windchill factor possibly as low as -9C to -12C by night and day.

Northeasterly to easterly winds will be Moderate to strong at times also over the week

Met Eireann issue weather advisory this afternoon

Weather Advisory for Ireland

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be very cold with temperatures in low single figures by day and with sharp or severe frosts and icy patches at night.

Showers of sleet or snow at times in eastern counties from Sunday evening onwards.

Hazardous conditions on roads and paths.

Valid: 06:03 Sunday 07/02/2021 to 18:00 Wednesday 10/02/2021

Issued: 13:00 Friday 05/02/2021

**Snowfall accumulations by Wednesday morning 10/02/212**

LATER NEXT WEEK

There is a potential of an Atlantic low pressure system moving across Ireland later Wednesday and Thursday leading to a more widespread snowfall event across Ireland as the rain hits that very cold air and falls as snow giving some significant snow accumulations and this is something that is been watch very closely as well as the early stages of next week.

LIVE STOCK DANGERS - FARMERS

Famers with livestock especially over higher ground areas to be alert and keep a eye on the forecast due to the significant risk of big snowfall accumulations next week over eastern and northern counites. Low temperatures and a added wind chill factor will create very harsh conditions putting animals in danger exposed to such conditions.

Donegal weather channel has issued early advisories ahead to next weeks very cold spell of weather. Click advisory maps below to view them

Kenneth from the Donegal Weather Channel

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