Ireland Weather: Arctic thaw hopes dashed as expert spots critical detail in new weather maps

Hopes of a thawing of Arctic conditions across Ireland this weekend could be short lived after one weather expert spotted a crucial detail in newly available weather maps.

Sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice have devastated parts of the country over the last few days however it was believed the Arctic blast would start to retreat this weekend.

Whilst Met Eireann is predicting milder temperatures this weekend, Irish weather expert, Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather on X, was quick to point out that the wind chill factor could scupper expectations.

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"While temperatures will rise over the next few days with a thaw the wind-chill forecast for tomorrow [Saturday] and Sunday shows it will still be feeling cool. Don’t put away the woolly hat just yet," wrote Alan on X on Friday afternoon.

There were reports of freshly fallen snow in the south of the country on Friday morning and despite signs that a thaw had set in in some parts the temperatures remained significantly low in the North.

Whilst there are currently no weather warnings in place, Met Eireann warned of possible localised flooding as the snow begins to melts.

"Tomorrow (Saturday) will be generally cloudy with scattered outbreaks of light rain and drizzle. Scattered showers will spread across the south and southwest during the afternoon and evening. Gradual snow melt through the day could lead to localised flooding. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees, milder near south and west coasts, in light to moderate southerly winds."

Overview: Gradually becoming milder through the weekend. Becoming dull with rain and drizzle at times early next week.Saturday night: A generally cloudy night with a good deal of dry weather, though there will be some patchy drizzle near Atlantic coasts. Some mist and fog will develop too. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees, a little milder near southern coasts in a light to moderate southerly breeze.Sunday: Overcast with patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle developing over the western half of the country. Staying dry further east. Gradually turning milder through the day with afternoon temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds.Sunday night: A much milder, breezy night with patchy light rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures early on of 7 to 10 degrees, with temperatures rising overnight in fresh southerly winds.Monday: Cloudy with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle. Mild with highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in moderate to fresh south to southwest winds.Tuesday: Dull and cloudy with plenty of dry weather, though a few patches of rain and drizzle will occur. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees in moderate southwesterly winds.Further outlook: Staying mild with nearby high pressure bringing a good deal of dry weather overall. However, a few patches of light rain and drizzle are possible.

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