Ireland weather: Snow storm map shows -11C freeze as Met Eireann confirms cold snap arrival date

Ireland is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as the mild and damp conditions of recent weeks give way to much colder and wintry weather as we head into the new year.

The country is set to experience a significant drop in temperatures, with weather models suggesting that parts of Ireland could see a chilling -11C over the coming days, as well as some significant snowfall.

Met Eireann has confirmed that a cold snap is set to arrive on New Year’s Day (Wednesday), and persist for at least the first week of January.

While the forecast suggests a period of extended wintry conditions are incoming, experts caution that weather models are subject to change, and the exact timing and severity of the cold, including the possibility of snow, may still evolve.

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For today, December 29, the national forecaster says it will be mostly dry and cloudy. Temperatures are expected to reach between 8C and 11C, with light rain or drizzle possible in some areas, particularly in the north and west. Tomorrow, December 30, will be similarly cloudy with temperatures remaining in the 9C to 11C range.

Weather maps showing -11C possible in parts of Ireland on Friday, January 3
(Image: Netweather.tv)

Ireland's weather service has predicted that December 31 will be windy, with widespread rain moving northwards across the country throughout the day. Temperatures will range from 8C to 12C and gusty southwest winds will intensify, particularly in the north and west. It will be a wet and blustery day end to the year - setting the stage for an even more dramatic shift on New Year's Day.

On January 1, Ireland will be hit by the most significant weather change of the season so far. A very windy day is expected, with widespread, heavy rain at first. This rain will clear from the southeast throughout the day, but it will leave behind colder air and a risk of frost and ice developing later in the evening. As temperatures fall and winds ease, conditions will become more unsettled, signalling the arrival of the cold snap.

Weather models showing widespread snow in Ireland on New Year's Day
(Image: WXCharts)

Looking ahead to the first week of January, cold and unsettled weather dominates Met Eireann's outlook. Weather models suggest that colder air will surge across the country, pushing out the milder conditions that have persisted since Christmas. Temperatures will fall sharply, with some areas possibly seeing lows as cold as -11C by Friday, January 3.

While it is still early to predict exactly how long the cold weather will last, Met Eireann's outlook for the coming weeks suggests that Ireland will experience a prolonged period of wintry conditions to start 2025. As the cold snap takes hold, Ireland can expect to experience some disruptive weather, including snow, frost and ice. While it is still uncertain whether the snow will be widespread or more localised, the models suggest that parts of the country could experience significant snowfall.

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