Met Éireann give first glimpse at Christmas forecast and snow verdict

Met Éireann have given their first glimpse at the weather forecast for the Christmas period and it's not good news for those hoping for a White Christmas.

In their extended range forecast for the week commencing December 23, they say: "Early indications suggest a trend towards more settled weather than the seasonal norm during the week. Rainfall totals looks set to be around the climatological average whilst air temperatures are currently forecast to be near or slightly above the December norm."

This will be music to the ears of those who have to travel over the festive period. While weather readings can change as we get closer, it looks like being mild.

The week before Christmas could be more unsettled with low pressure set to arrive.

"Current indications are for more unsettled conditions to take hold during Forecast Week 2 (from December 16) as low pressure becomes more prevalent. Mean air temperatures are forecast to be around the climatological mean whilst it looks likely to be wetter than normal," Met Éireann said.

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After the drama of Storm Darragh, forecasters say this week will be a little more settled, though it will still be cold with frost and fog around.

"Generally dry with light winds but cold, with frost, ice and possible fog. Turning more showery later this week," the Met Éireann outlook reads.

They say Monday will be "dry and sunny for most" but it will be "cloudier for much of Leinster with occasional patchy light rain and drizzle.

"Coldest across the western half of the country with highest afternoon temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees, in light to moderate northeasterly breezes.

"Monday night will be cold and dry with a slight to sharp frost, along with some areas of fog and possibly freezing fog. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +2 degrees generally, in a light northeast wind. Less cold though near some eastern and southeastern coasts where cloud will persist."

Their forecast for Tuesday says: "Frost and fog will clear from most areas, possibly lingering across northwest areas in near calm conditions. Where fog clears, it will be dry with spells of sunshine. Cold with highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees generally, colder though where fog persists.

"Dry but generally quite dull with overnight mist and fog stubborn to clear some areas. Cold with highest temperatures 1 to 6 degrees, coldest across the western half of the country, in a light northeast breeze. Another calm, cold and frosty night is expected to follow with widespread fog. Lowest temperatures of -3 to zero degrees.

"Once again frost and fog will linger in some areas throughout [on Thursday]. Remaining dry and calm but generally cloudy. Cold with highest temperatures of 2 to 7 degrees, again coldest across Atlantic counties. A few well scattered showers will follow overnight. Dry and calm but misty or foggy in places, along with frost where skies clear. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees.

"Overall dry with some bright or sunny spells [on Friday]. Just a few well scattered showers about, mainly across southeast areas, and later across west and northwest areas. Highest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees, coldest across Ulster with a light to moderate westerly wind setting in," Met Éireann concludes.