Ireland weather: Christmas day 'heatwave' surprise as we're hotter than Spain - but not for long
Ireland is set for an unexpectedly mild Christmas day after temperatures reached up to 15C in Dublin today, making it warmer than parts of Spain. However, this unseasonably mild weather is forecast to change soon, with colder conditions and a potenti
Ireland is in for an unexpected treat on Christmas day, with unseasonably mild temperatures making the Emerald Isle hotter than parts of Spain. The average maximum temperature in Ireland during December is typically around 8.5C, so the current warmer-than-usual conditions are certainly a surprise.
While it may feel like a "heatwave" to some, it’s important to note that Met Eireann doesn’t classify this as such. According to their definition, a heatwave occurs only when temperatures remain consistently above 25C for five consecutive days.
Nevertheless, the unusual warmth is hard to ignore. On Christmas Eve, Dublin reached a mild 15C, making it warmer than Barcelona, where the temperature barely scraped 13C.
Looking ahead to Christmas day itself, the national forecaster has predicted more unseasonably mild conditions. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach between 11C and 13C - again, matching that of Barcelona - with minimal drops in temperature overnight. However, the big day will be far from picture-perfect sunshine. While the weather will remain quite cloudy, the west of Ireland may experience some drizzle, although some brighter spells are expected to break through during the day.
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St Stephen’s Day will see similar conditions, with temperatures ranging between 10C and 13C. The country will be split when it comes to weather, with the west and north experiencing rain, while the east and midlands will have a better chance of brighter, drier breaks.
The trend of mild weather is likely to continue through Friday and Saturday, but things are expected to change soon after. By Sunday, a shift in weather patterns is expected, with a more unsettled and cooler outlook for Ireland in the days leading up to the New Year.
Met Eireann has indicated that the forecast for the start of next week is uncertain, but the outlook suggests that high pressure will dominate on Sunday, with rain and drizzle mainly affecting the west and north. However, as the week progresses, there’s a greater likelihood of colder conditions settling in, with temperatures dipping below average. In fact, the first week of January could bring a cold snap, with snow even being a possibility in some areas.
Looking ahead to the week from December 30 to January 5, Met Eireann’s long-range forecast reads: "The signal for this week is for high pressure out to the west and with low pressure systems moving over to the east of Ireland, generating a predominate cold northerly airflow. Temperatures will be below average throughout while above average rainfall is expected, particularly in the south. Multiple hazards are possible with potential for wind and precipitation hazards depending on the tracks of the low pressures. With cold conditions, frost and ice are possible and some of the precipitation could be wintry in nature."
So while Christmas day may be surprisingly mild, the weather is set to take a dramatic turn as we head into the New Year. Enjoy the warmth while it lasts as winter is far from over...
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