Ireland weather: Surprising Christmas forecast from Met Eireann - as maps show dramatic snow return

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway, and with it comes the much-anticipated question: What will the weather be like this festive season?

Met Eireann has updated its long-range forecast, offering a glimpse into what we can expect from the weather throughout December - including the all-important Christmas week. While many are dreaming of a white Christmas, its latest predictions are unlikely to bring cheer to snow lovers.

The national forecaster has revealed that Christmas week, from December 23 to December 29, is signalled to bring higher-than-average temperatures for the time of year. This is sure to come as a surprise to some, as many typically associate Christmas with chilly, wintry weather.

Alongside the unseasonably warm temperatures, the weather agency has also indicated a "slight signal for higher-than-average precipitation". In other words, while it might be mild, you may want to keep an umbrella handy for any Christmas outings.

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In its update, Met Eireann states: “For Christmas week, current indications are mixed with confidence in the forecast low. There is however a slight signal for higher than average precipitation amounts for late December, along with higher than average temperatures.”

Looking to the earlier weeks in December, the forecast shows a more predictable pattern. The first week (December 2 to 8) will see high pressure over Ireland, resulting in mild temperatures and drier-than-usual conditions. Week two (December 9 to 15) will continue this trend with above-average temperatures and minimal rainfall, though parts of the northwest may experience closer-to-average precipitation. By week three (December 16 to 22), the forecast becomes less certain, but high pressure is still likely to dominate, creating warm temperatures and low levels of rainfall.

While Met Eireann's official monthly forecast makes no mention of snow, various weather charts suggest that flurries might make an appearance. Models indicate a possible dusting of snow in northwestern areas around December 3 and 4.

Long-range weather models show snow flurries in the north west on Wednesday, December 4
(Image: WXCharts)

Even more dramatic charts show a wall of snow arriving from December 14 onwards.

Long-range weather models show a wall of snow (in purple) heading straight for Ireland on Saturday, December 14
(Image: WXCharts)

However these forecasts are subject to change and given the uncertainty so far in advance, snow enthusiasts will have to wait and see whether these weather models come true.

In the meantime, it's clear that the lead-up to Christmas will feature a mix of mild weather and higher-than-average rain, with the possibility of some snow flurries.

Met Eireann's December forecast in full

Week 1 - Monday, December 2 to Sunday, December 8

Met Eireann said: "For week 1, high pressure situated near Ireland will generate a predominately southerly airflow, leading to temperatures higher than average for the time of year. Precipitation amounts for Ireland will also likely be lower than average for early December."

Week 2 - Monday, December 9 to Sunday, December 15

The national forecaster continued: "Week 2 continues similar with high pressure likely nearby for most of the week, again bringing warmer than average temperatures, along with lower than average precipitation amounts overall, however parts of the northwest may end up with near average precipitation amounts."

Week 3 - Monday, December 16 to Sunday, December 22

The meteorological agency said: "By week 3, confidence in the forecast decreases, with less of a clear signal for any pressure pattern dominating. There is however a slight signal again for high pressure, likely leading to below average precipitation amounts, along with higher than average temperatures for the time of year."

Week 4 - Monday, December 23 to Sunday, December 29

Met Eireann's monthly forecast concludes: "For week 4, Christmas week, current indications are mixed with confidence in the forecast low. There is however a slight signal for higher than average precipitation amounts for late December, along with higher than average temperatures."

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