Ireland weather: Christmas forecast shock as Met Eireann warns of rare conditions

Ireland is set for an unexpected Christmas weather surprise as Met Eireann has forecast unusually mild conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 14C over the festive period.

While this warm spell will delight many, it is unlikely to last, as the forecast hints at a dramatic shift to colder weather for the final days of 2024.

In an rare Christmas experience, temperatures will remain unseasonably warm for this time of year, with daytime highs ranging from 10C to 14C. Alongside the mild temperatures, Ireland can expect mostly cloudy skies and frequent light rain and drizzle.

With Christmas Eve approaching, Ireland will continue to experience mild conditions, making for a very different atmosphere compared to the frosty scenes many are accustomed to. Met Eireann has assured that Santa will have "very favourable conditions" for his journey across Ireland. The night will be dry for the most part, with only a few light drizzles and patches of mist to disrupt his passage.

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Christmas Day itself will be marked by mild temperatures and cloudy skies. Daytime highs will range from 11C to 14C, with some occasional light rain and drizzle scattered throughout the country. While the day will remain mostly dry in many areas, a few showers are still expected, particularly in the west and northwest. There will be some breaks of sunshine, especially in eastern parts and Christmas night is expected to stay largely dry, except for some light rain and drizzle along coastal and hilly regions, and temperatures holding steady between 8C and 11C.

A busy Grafton Street in the run-up to Christmas
(Image: Collins)

Looking ahead to St Stephen's Day, the weather will remain mostly cloudy, with patchy rain, drizzle and mist continuing to sweep across the country. Some brighter intervals are possible, especially in the midlands and east, and temperatures will range from 10C to 13C, keeping the Christmas season feeling more like autumn than winter.

While Ireland will enjoy a mild Christmas week, Met Eireann is warning that a significant change could be on the horizon as 2024 comes to a close. By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to dip, and a colder, more unsettled spell could take over. This could signal the start of a wintry end to the year, with frosty conditions possibility returning.

High pressure will continue to dominate at first, keeping conditions settled, but this could lead to some cooler and brighter spells later in the week. Met Eireann said: "High pressure looks set to continue to dominate, bringing generally settled conditions. Rain and drizzle are possible at times, especially in the west and northwest, and while there is some uncertainty, there's the possibility that it may turn a little cooler but potentially a little brighter."

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