Cold snap weather forecast for Ireland with temps set to plunge to -5 degrees

Ireland could see a huge change on the weather front this week after an unseasonably mild spell and warm start to November.

Forecasters are predicting plunging temperatures later with week with one forecaster suggesting temperatures next weekend could dip as low as - 5 degrees.

Weather Alerts Ireland made the prediction over the weekend. They posted: "A change is forecast later next week!

"From around 5 or 6°C above average at the moment temperatures are forecast to drop significantly and could drop down to around -5°C below average next weekend into the next week.

"Frosty weather can be expected with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight and during the day struggling in the low single figures.

"Some uncertainty on the length of this cold spell so I will keep you all up to date throughout the week."

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Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel also foresee a huge dip in temperatures.

He said: "We’ve been hinting for a few days now that we may see something a little more seasonal coming our way towards the end of next week and indeed there’s now growing confidence with each model run that that now seems to be case.

"As we head into next weekend a cold front is expected to bring a considerable drop in temperatures with a strong ridge of high pressure in the Atlantic and low pressure to the northeast forcing a cold northerly flow across Ireland.

"During such cold outbreaks, even in late meteorological autumn, its likely that some areas may see wintry precipitation, falling as hail or sleet, with a chance of snow on higher ground, or down to lower levels inland overnight.

"This morning's [Saturday] ECMWF is particularly interesting as it shows a rather strong ridge of high pressure developing, which could become a rather stubborn feature, possibly indicating that the colder conditions could stick around a while.

"But, as always, this is still a week away and much will change with the forecast. What we can say is that we will see a change to colder conditions later next week with wintry showers for some and a return to night frosts.

"Beyond next week, we’ll just have to watch the updates over the coming days, which we’ll bring to you here first on Irelands Weather Channel. In the meantime, have a wonderful Saturday and I’ll be back in touch with you later this evening. "