Dublin: The Irish Meteorological Office has issued a weather warning, predicting an exceptionally cold start to 2025, with extreme cold and strong winds expected to dominate. Temperatures could plummet to as low as -11°C in certain regions, marking a significant shift toward severe winter conditions.
Forecasters anticipate that the freezing temperatures, set to begin on New Year’s Day, will persist throughout the first week of January. This sharp drop in temperature signals a dramatic change in weather patterns following milder conditions during the Christmas period.
Forecast Details
Today, December 31:
The day will remain mostly cloudy, with temperatures ranging between 9°C and 11°C. Heavy and widespread rain is expected, particularly in the evening, as rain moves northward. Temperatures will hover between 8°C and 12°C, accompanied by strong south-westerly winds in the north and west.
New Year’s Day, January 1:
A significant weather shift is expected. Heavy rain will dominate the morning, retreating from the southeast later in the day. Snowfall is anticipated by the evening as temperatures drop sharply, and cold air spreads across the country.
January 3 and Beyond:
By Friday, temperatures will continue to fall, with observers forecasting a severe winter ahead. The duration of this cold spell remains uncertain, but experts caution that it may extend into the following weeks.
Weather Alerts and Warnings
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Alert for three counties due to heavy rain and strong winds:
- Counties Affected: Donegal, Galway, and Mayo
- Alert Duration: 11 a.m. Monday to 11 a.m. Tuesday
The warning highlights risks such as localised flooding, travel disruptions, and reduced visibility. Additionally, a Yellow Wind Warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo, and Donegal from midnight to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Strong winds may cause damage, including fallen tree limbs and scattered debris, making travel hazardous.
In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has also issued weather warnings:
New Year’s Eve, December 31:
Strong westerly winds, reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h, may cause travel disruptions across Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry. The warning is active from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New Year’s Day, January 1:
A Yellow Snow Warning is in effect, predicting snowfall of 2–5 cm in most areas, with some locations possibly seeing up to 20 cm. The snow warning is valid from 7 a.m. to midnight on Wednesday.
Precautions and Advice
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas under weather alerts. Risks of travel disruption, hazardous driving conditions, and localised flooding are high. Debris from strong winds and snowfall could exacerbate difficulties in affected regions.
While other parts of the country may experience drier weather with occasional sunny spells, drizzle is still possible in isolated areas.
As Ireland prepares for one of its coldest starts to a year in recent memory, the public is advised to stay updated with weather alerts and take precautions to ensure safety during this extreme winter period.
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