Beast from the East? Bizarre weather battle over Ireland amid threat of cold snap

Ireland weather experts are watching models closely as high pressure and cold air do battle in a bizarre February weather update.

Met Éireann is remaining tight-lipped on the potential of a new Beast from the East type weather event which brought heavy snow and subzero temperatures to Ireland back in 2018. 

Ireland also saw a severe band of snow earlier this month with Limerick, Tipperary and Kilkenny particularly affected with school closures and icy roads. In terms of disruptive weather, we also endured Storm Éowyn which cut power to 700,000 households and businesses and caused widespread damage.

In an update on our weather outlook through February, the forecasters at Weather Alerts Ireland said that while "high pressure is building over Ireland and will bring a good deal of dry weather, "cold air will be positioned near Ireland making it feel cool with frost in many areas and temperatures below freezing."

They say there is uncertainty over next week but others are looking at a possible severe cold spell in the coming weeks.

Cathal Nolan at Ireland's Weather Channel said that while he is expecting cold weather, he's not predicting a Beast from the East scenario.

"Confidence is increasing that Ireland will experience a cold start to February, as winds switch around to an easterly direction from Wednesday onwards. This will lead to cold days with temperatures typically 1-3 degrees Celsius below average, with nighttime values down to -3 or -4 locally with sharp to severe night frosts under clear skies," he explained.

"However, we currently do not expect “beast from the east” like conditions, certainly not within the next 7-10 days. There are reports circulating on social media emanating from a number of publications that we may see 'danger to life' conditions developing, which is simply false," he added.

"While the cold weather may well persist beyond next weekend, there is currently too much uncertainty as to the evolution of this cold spell to make such claims, with the phrasing of such statements instilling undue fear into the wider public, especially amongst those still suffering from the aftermath of Storm Éowyn," Cathal concluded.

Similarly Alan O'Reilly at Carlow Weather said there was "no need to panic" over such reports, while Met Éireann's extended forecast shows no signs of a prolonged or severe cold spell.

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Their immediate outlook is for cold conditions with night-time values falling as low as -4 degrees.

They say Thursday morning "will be cold and frosty with icy stretches possible. It will be dry and mostly sunny, although cloud will build at times in the southwest. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in a light to moderate southeasterly wind.

"Thursday night will be cold and dry with long clear spells and light winds. Frost and ice are expected as temperatures fall to between -2 and +2 degrees," they added.

The forecast continues: "Friday morning will be cold and frosty. It will be dry and sunny at first but some cloud will build through the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees with a light to moderate east to northeast wind.

"Friday night will be cold and dry with largely clear skies. Frost and ice expected again with lowest temperatures of -4 to +2 degrees.

"Saturday will be dry but cloud will build from the west through the day. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees with light east to southeast winds.

"Saturday night will be another cold and frosty night with lowest temperatures of -4 to +1 degrees. Most areas will be dry and clear but it will be cloudy at times in the south.

"Sunday will be largely dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. A few light showers are possible in the south and east. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in light to moderate easterly winds."