Ireland on new snow alert as weather maps drop chilling bombshell about next big freeze

Ireland is emerging from a week-long deep freeze that gripped the country in icy chaos. Several cold weather warnings were issued as temperatures plunged as low as -8C with heavy snow causing havoc in a number of areas.

However, a dramatic shift is now underway as a big thaw begins sweeping the country. In the days ahead, temperatures are forecast to climb to an unseasonable 14C - well above Ireland's January average of 5.5C. The sudden shift will provide some much-needed relief for communities affected by days of snow, frost and freezing weather.

Despite the milder outlook, weather models have flagged that winter may not be finished with us just yet. Maps show the possibility of another significant cold spell hitting before the end of the month.

Long-range weather models are notoriously subject to change, however early indications suggest that Arctic-like conditions could return as soon as Friday, January 24.

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Met Eireann's extended-range forecast reflects this uncertainty, noting for the week of January 20 to January 26: "Given the time of year frost and fog may develop."

Weather models tentatively show snow sweeping Ireland again on Friday, January 24
(Image: WXCharts)

For now, the country can enjoy a respite from the freezing conditions, with milder temperatures and more settled weather on the horizon.

Weather models tentatively show cold weather sweeping Ireland again on Saturday, January 25
(Image: Netweather.tv)

Here's what Met Eireann has forecast for the coming days: "Outbreaks of rain and drizzle in Ulster and Leinster will gradually clear eastwards Saturday morning. Other areas will be largely dry with sunny spells and just isolated showers. There'll be patches of mist and fog too. Gradual snow melt through the day could lead to localised flooding. Highest temperatures of 4C to 7C , milder near the south and west coast, with light to moderate southeasterly or variable winds. A few showers in Ulster early Saturday night, otherwise dry with clear spells. There'll be some mist and fog too, in light and variable winds. Cloud will build in the southwest and west later, bringing patches of drizzle, and moderate southeasterly winds will develop. Lowest temperatures of -1C to 4C.

"Sunday will start mostly dry with hazy sunny spells. Cloud and patchy light rain or drizzle in the southwest and west at first will edge further eastwards through the day but eastern areas will stay dry. It'll become breezy with a moderate to fresh southerly wind developing and temperatures will gradually rise through the day, with values of 6C to 11C in the afternoon. Cloudy and breezy Sunday night with patches of light rain or drizzle. Minimum temperatures of 8C to 11C will occur early on as temperatures increase a little overnight. Breezy with moderate to fresh southerly winds.

Weather models tentatively show snow sweeping Ireland again on Friday, January 24
(Image: WXCharts)

"Mild and cloudy Monday with scattered outbreaks of rain or drizzle. Breezy at first with a moderate to fresh southerly wind, easing later. Highest temperatures of 11C to 13C . Staying mild and cloudy Monday night with patches of light rain, drizzle, mist and fog. Lowest temperatures of 9C to 11C in a light to moderate south to southwest wind.

"Generally cloudy Tuesday with patches of light rain or drizzle and some hill fog. Highest temperatures of 11C to 14C with moderate south to southwest winds.Remaining cloudy in the north and west Tuesday night with some patches of light rain or drizzle. Drier and clearer conditions developing elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 10C with light to moderate southerly winds.

"Cloudy Wednesday with outbreaks of rain or drizzle in the north and west. Largely dry with occasional sunny spells in the south and east. Highest temperatures of 9C to 11C with a moderate southerly breeze."

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