'Very mild start to the New Year forecast in many parts of Europe,' says forecaster

A very mild start to the New Year forecast in many parts of Europe, says forecaster Alan O'Reilly.

He added: "A hard time for ski resorts, if are heading skiing this week or next you could be unlucky!"

Met Éireann forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Windy with strong southerly winds developing. Rain will spread from the Atlantic overnight with heavy rain in the west. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees, coldest in the north early in the night with temperatures rising overnight.

FRIDAY: Outbreaks of rain, heavy in the morning. Some dry and bright spells will develop for the afternoon, but there will be some further rainfall in parts too. Rather windy with fresh to strong southwest winds easing later in the day. Afternoon highs of 5 to 9 degrees.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with showery rain in parts. Mainly moderate southwest winds. Some drier spells too. Temperatures may fall close to freezing in the north and west, with a touch of frost possible.

SATURDAY: There is uncertainty in the forecast for New Year's Eve but current indications show that there will likely be some showers but with a good deal of dry weather too in the afternoon. Winds are signalled to be mostly light. Highs of 5 to 8 degrees. There is potential for it be frosty on Saturday night, especially in the north.

The weather will likely be unsettled on New Year's Day, possibly turning colder, but confidence is low in the details.