STORM WATCH: Forecaster gives major update on storm front with snow forecast for Ireland this week

A forecaster has given a major update on a storm front crossing the Atlantic as Met Eireann forecasts snow for parts of Ireland this week.

According to Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather who has been tracking the storm front, it now looks as if Ireland will escape the worst of the weather but we won't get away completely.

In a tweet last night he is now forecasting that the storm will not be as strong as feared with the strongest winds staying to the south of Ireland. However he adds that there is still a risk of very heavy rain on Tuesday and strong winds on Wednesday.

Good news is storm doesn’t develop ad deeply as had been shown with strongest winds staying South of Ireland but a risk of very heavy rain Tuesday still. Also strong gusts Wednesday, subject to change still. pic.twitter.com/KrSWADBGyj

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) April 9, 2023

Meanwhile Met Eireann is forecasting that temperatures could drop to freezing on Tuesday night with sleet and snow possible on high ground. 

According to the latest Met Eireann forecast, there will be widespread heavy showers today, with a chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms possibly leading to spot flooding. The showers will be most frequent in the east and north and will ease off in the evening. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees with strengthening westerly winds.

Heavy showers will become isolated tonight with long clear spells developing. Lowest temperatures of zero degrees in the north to plus 4 degrees in the south, in mostly light southwesterly or variable winds.

Widespread heavy showers today, with a chance of hail & isolated thunderstorms possibly leading to spot flooding️️

The showers will be most frequent in the east & north ️

Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 °C with strengthening westerly winds️️️ pic.twitter.com/0emxZ4cJXw

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) April 10, 2023

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Tuesday will start out with widespread showers, some heavy. More persistent rain will develop in the southwest in the afternoon and extend northeastwards. A clearance will follow from the west in the early evening. Highest temperatures will range from 7 to 10 degrees in light to moderate southwest to south winds, becoming variable in direction later.

Showers on coasts on Tuesday night may turn to sleet and snow over hills and high ground, it'll be mainly dry away from coastal areas. Lowest temperatures will range from zero to plus 1 degree with moderate to fresh westerly winds backing southerly. There is a chance of very strong winds in parts of the west and south towards morning.

Met Eireann is warning that a strong northwest wind will develop on Wednesday bringing frequent squally showers throughout the day. Some of the showers will be heavy with a chance for isolated thunderstorms and hail and the showers may merge to longer spells of rain at times. Highest temperatures 7 to 9 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty northwest winds.

Showers will become confined to coasts on Wednesday night with clear spells elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 4 degrees in fresh and gusty northwest winds.

There'll be scattered showers on Thursday, becoming frequent for a time in the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees in a fresh to strong northwest wind.