Snowy weather scenes in Wicklow(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)
Ireland could be in for a wintry treat this week as new weather maps hint at snow returning to parts of the country ahead of Christmas.
After weeks of persistent rain and gusty winds, Met Eireann has confirmed a significant shift, saying that “more settled weather will develop early next week”.
However, the country will still face unsettled conditions in the days ahead. Tomorrow is expected to remain “wet and windy”, with heavy rain likely to trigger spot flooding in some areas. Overnight showers are forecast to track eastwards, accompanied by hail, with temperatures as low as 3C.
Friday has been described as “blustery” and Saturday as “breezy”, while Sunday will see a noticeable chill with daytime highs struggling to reach just 5C to 8C.
The focus now turns to the festive period, with Met Eireann confirming a clear drop in temperatures and forecasting a spell of “cooler, drier and more settled through Christmas week“.
Although its official forecast does not currently mention snow, the latest weather maps have turned white, hinting that wintry showers could sweep across parts of the country this week.
Weather model turns white as it signals snow in western areas on Thursday night(Image: WXCharts)
Western counties could see the first flurries as early as Thursday night, with another possible bout of wintry showers in the southwest on Sunday afternoon
While these models are notoriously subject to change, they have raised hopes of a White Christmas in Ireland.
Weather model turns white as it signals snow in the southwest on Sunday afternoon(Image: WXCharts)
Bookmakers are reporting a surge in punters betting on snow next Thursday. Dublin has seen a notable shift, with odds for snow at the airport cut to 7/2 from 6/1, while Belfast’s chances have doubled in confidence, now priced at 5/2.
Further west, Donegal also remains in contention at 4/1, while Kerry and Shannon airports are longer shots at 9/1 and 8/1 respectively.
BOYLE Sports spokesperson Lawrence Lyons said: “Weather experts are divided, but punters are definitely dreaming of a White Christmas this year. The odds have been falling faster than the temperatures and Belfast is a big mover, with Dublin not far behind.”
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