Your daily forecasts from Boards.ie weather forum (NO CHAT)

M.T. Cranium · 14-01-2012 8:10am

Saturday, 14 January, 2012
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ALERT for some icy roads and locally dense fog patches mainly in lower lying inland valleys of eastern counties, valid to about 10:00h.

TODAY ... Mist or fog patches, some clear breaks, and cold in eastern counties, highs 4-7 C. Extensive low cloud, drizzle or light rain spreading north into western counties, 2-5 mms in some parts, highs 7-10 C. Winds increasing gradually to SE 15-30 mph. Feeling raw in this breeze.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, cold in some parts, lows 1-3 C east and 3-6 C west ... some light drizzle west, chance of some freezing fog in a few parts of the east.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, remaining rather cold in a southeast breeze, highs generally 5-8 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, some drizzle developing south and west, lows -1 to +3 C and highs 5 to 8 C.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY ... Milder, although some parts of the southeast could stay rather chilly, highs for most 9-12 C, showers or periods of rain at times in west and north, moderate SW winds developing for west coast regions. There is some chance of the inland southeast staying foggy under an inversion layer.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY ... Cloudy, showers, becoming sleety over higher ground, as winds veer more to W then NW, temperatures holding steady 6-8 C then falling slowly to reach about 3-5 C.

FOLLOWING WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Most likely rather cold with mixed wintry showers, winds north to northeast, some local snowfalls east coast especially higher elevations, temperatures well below normal in the range of -6 to +3 C.

(as with the last several advisories, the model runs are dividied on the outcome but cold seems to be holding firm on several of the models, and there is always some chance of this cold becoming severe).

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Cold and dry for many parts of western Canada, although a colder (frigid, arctic air) regime is spreading southeast from Alaska where temperatures will stay -25 to -35 C. The less severe cold ahead of this outbreak has highs of -3 to +2 C. Sleet or snow developing in some west coast regions later, but heavier snow to follow tomorrow. Highs near the coast 3-5 C. Holding on to warm, dry conditions in the southwest states for now, highs 17-21 C.

Central regions cold and dry, highs below normal by 5-8 degrees ... windy with snow squalls in the Great Lakes, dry and cold in the rest of the northeast and dry/cool further south towards Florida, highs generally around 15 C in the southeast states, 5 C mid-Atlantic and -5 C New England. A rain and wind combination moving through eastern Canada will bring strong southerly winds and highs of 10-13 C, but much colder air will quickly replace this by tonight as the storm moves into the Labrador Sea. Blizzard conditions in Labrador, 20-40 cms of snow.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was cloudy and about 4 C. A sleety rain is falling at present, with snow at somewhat higher elevations. Waves of sleet and then snow are expected for several days as much colder air drains in from the northeast. Temperature at 11 p.m. Friday here is +2 C.

M.T. Cranium · 15-01-2012 8:19am

Sunday, 15 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Most regions cloudy, but southwest will also be quite foggy in places with periods of light rain (3-7 mms) mostly confined to Kerry, west Cork and west Limerick into south Clare. Elsewhere, nothing more than patchy drizzle with trace amounts. Winds becoming somewhat stronger from southeast 20-35 mph, adding chill to a rather raw day with highs 6-9 C (could reach 10-11 C around south Kerry). Some sleet on higher parts of Kerry might develop as the air mass is quite cold at 500-900 metres.

TONIGHT ... Foggy or misty, drizzle or continued light rain, winds SE 20-30 mph, lows 3-6 C.

MONDAY ... Little change although some brighter intervals, but still mainly cloudy with outbreaks of light rain, winds a bit more southerly, highs 7-10 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy, milder, some rain at times (5-10 mms on average), winds moderate SW'ly 25-40 mph, lows near 5 C and highs near 10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, moderate westerly winds, turning slightly colder especially in Ulster and north Connacht. Lows near 5 C and highs 8-10 C.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY ... Becoming steadily colder in a west to northwest wind, occasional showers becoming mixed or wintry at times on higher northern terrain, lows near 2 C and highs near 7 C.

NEXT WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Rather cold, variable cloud, winds becoming light if ECM model verifies, outbreaks of sleet or light snow possible although not likely to be widespread or heavy. Temperatures in the range of -3 to +6.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Very uncertain at this point, would not surprise me if a colder theme is maintained to early February. However, no reliable indications of severe cold or heavy snow yet. Can't rule this out, but it's about equally possible that there would be a milder trend to near normal temperatures at times.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Severe cold is spreading south across B.C. and Alberta from a source in Alaska and the Yukon (where it's already -40 or lower). Temperatures today will continue to drop to around -25 C in the north and -15 C central parts of these provinces, and snow will spread across Saskatchewan into Manitoba, near-blizzard conditions with falling temperatures. Outbreaks of snow in the south of Alberta and B.C. spreading into the interior parts of the Pacific northwest states with highs -3 to zero.

Showery in Oregon with mountain snows, but holding on to dry and warm conditions for one more day in California and parts of the southwest, however, snow will arrive in Colorado by tonight. Milder into the central plains states with highs 7-12 C ahead of a strong cold front. Cold and dry for the eastern third of the U.S. and most of Ontario and Quebec with heavy local lake effect snow squalls in northwest winds. Highs well below normal, -10 C on average in the Great Lakes and inland northeast, -3 C coastal northeast and 5-10 C southeast U.S. to 15 C Florida. These regions will warm up steadily on Monday and Tuesday.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Last night (early Saturday) we had 3 cms of snow which then partially melted and refroze after a day of 3-4 C temperatures and developing clear skies. Another burst of snow is now falling. Amounts are very dependent on elevation, some places not far from my location had 25 cms and expect about the same in addition, but here we may see 5 cms. Highs on Sunday around 2 C, then even colder next week with heavy snow.:)

M.T. Cranium · 16-01-2012 8:35am

Monday, 16 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some fog or mist, especially over higher parts of the south ... a few sunny breaks are possible in Ulster and Connacht ... icy spots in parts of Ulster should see improvements by 0930 or so ... but otherwise, gradually turning a bit milder, with some drizzle and with highs 7-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Drizzle or light rain, foggy, milder with lows 4-7 C.

TUESDAY ... Mostly cloudy, outbreaks of light rain and drizzle, 5-10 mms on average, heavier in southwest than elswhere, moderate SW'ly winds at 15-30 mph and highs 9-11 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Morning showers, turning colder with moderate westerly winds 25-40 mph, some sunny intervals followed by further showers, highs around 7 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy to windy, rather cold, passing showers, these becoming sleety or wintry on high ground in north ... lows 2-4 C and highs 6-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Breezy to windy, cold, further wintry showers possible, winds W-NW 20-40 mph, lows 1-3 C and highs 5-7 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Colder weather still seems likely although guidance is frankly all over the place, so I'll just say that some frost and snow is possible but not yet confirmed. Most likely temperature range between lows of -3 C and highs of 4-6 C. The further outlook is so uncertain that it seems pointless to mention it, but I will revert to my research model and say that cold weather is quite possible at times.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Continued severe cold in western regions of Canada and rather cold in Pacific northwest U.S., generally a break in the snow until later today near the west coast; temperatures are as low as -40 in the far north and -20 to -25 over much of inland western Canada, to about -3 C near Vancouver and Seattle, and then with rain more likely, 5-7 C in Oregon, while it remains partly cloudy and showery in parts of California and the southwest states, 15-20 C.

Further east, much milder in the central plains states ahead of a developing storm in Kansas and Nebraska that will spread snow into Iowa and southern Minnesota. Highs ahead of this storm 10-15 C, behind it, heavy snow then falling to -15 C. The east coast is dry and cold to start the day, but will turn quite a bit milder in a developing southwest flow, highs could reach 5 C after morning lows outside the cities of -10 C or lower. Windy and very cold in far eastern Canada. Cloudy and near -2 C over most of the Great Lakes region.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday started out with some snow before dawn, about 3-5 cms, then clearing skies, highs near 2 C, which turned snow to ice in some places, now it's clear and about -4 C. We're expecting a bit more snow on Monday and a large storm on Wednesday.

M.T. Cranium · 17-01-2012 8:18am

Tuesday, 17 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Milder with periods of rain, 5-10 mms on average, with somewhat of a clearing trend in the west later, winds becoming SW 20-35 mph, and highs 9-11 C. The rain should become showery by afternoon in the east, and also some isolated showers will follow towards evening in the northwest.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, showers, windy at times, lows 4-6 C. Winds veering to westerly 25-35 mph.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, showers or periods of rain in some places during the morning, a clearing trend by afternoon with further showers by evening, highs 7-9 C, winds WNW 20-40 mph.

THURSDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, rather cold with mixed or wintry showers in higher terrain especially, winds WNW 30-50 mph, lows 2-4 C and highs 6-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, slightly milder again with showers turning to periods of rain, winds backing to southwest 20-30 mph, lows 2-4 C and highs 8-10C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy or windy and turning slightly colder with showers becoming more mixed or wintry later especially across higher parts of northwest, lows 3-5 C and highs 5-8 C, winds WNW 20-40 mph.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny breaks, cold with mixed sleety showers, some snow possible on hills, lows -1 to +3 C and highs 5-8 C. Winds WNW backing to WSW 20-40 mph.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, showers (slight chance of snow flurries), most likely a bit milder briefly.

OUTLOOK ... Models are now delaying significant cold to mid-week ... while this trend may seem continual and never to be fulfilled, there is a slow background cooling trend and signs of an accelerated pattern shift, so it would not surprise me if mid-week to end of January proves rather cold or even very cold if everything works out ... chances are probably best for moderate cold in the range of highs 2-5 C and lows -5 to -2 C. Some snow would be inevitable in a week of that sort of temperature given the changes in wind direction being indicated.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Severe cold will continue today in most of western Canada and adjacent northwest states, with highs in parts of Alberta and adjacent provinces no better than -25 C. Yukon and Alaska remain in severe cold with ice fog and local temperatures to -45 C, generally about -10 to -20 C south coast of Alaska (where 6 metres of snow has built up this winter). Morning snow should yield to flurries around Vancouver and Seattle, some accumulations to 10-15 cms, highs near -1 C. Rain in Oregon and northern California, highs 7-15 C lower elevations. Sunny intervals and warm southern CA and parts of AZ-sNV, highs 17-21 C.

The very cold air is pushing south into the west-central plains, dropping temperatures to -15 C after a brief snowfall, and this snow is heading into the western Great Lakes where it will spread across the central Great Lakes just north of Toronto into upstate New York through the day. Amounts of 10 to 30 cms are likely in this zone, with freezing rain just north of Toronto and milder air with rain in the Lake Erie region, showers further south in much milder air to 15-20 C heading for Washington DC, likely to be a late arrival in NYC (7-10 C) and Boston (4-7 C). Far eastern Canada remains very cold and clear with local snow squalls off the Gulf of St Lawrence.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Cloudy with some light snow at times on Monday, now starting to snow a bit heavier, temperatures steady around -1 C. Not much wind locally as we are right on the arctic front here. It keeps varying in direction from east to southwest.

M.T. Cranium · 18-01-2012 8:40am

Wednesday, 18 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with light rain or drizzle at first, brighter intervals with limited sunshine developing, winds veering more to WNW 20-35 mph, feeling colder although temperatures 8-10 C, a few more showers developing by afternoon, some with hail. Rather chilly this evening.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, intervals of light rain or sleety showers over hills, lows 3-5 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, becoming rather cold with mixed or wintry showers in higher terrain by afternoon and evening, winds WNW 30-50 mph, and highs 6-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, slightly milder again with showers turning to periods of rain, winds backing to southwest 20-30 mph, lows 2-4 C and highs 8-10C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy or windy and turning slightly colder with showers becoming more mixed or wintry later especially across higher parts of northwest, lows 3-5 C and highs 5-8 C, winds WNW 20-40 mph.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny breaks, cold with mixed sleety showers, some snow possible on hills, lows -1 to +3 C and highs 5-8 C. Winds WNW backing to WSW 20-40 mph.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, showers (slight chance of snow flurries), lowe around 3-5 C and highs 7-9 C.

OUTLOOK ... A cool or cold unsettled pattern will develop mid-week; models currently show this on the rain side of the rain/snow borderline for most except highest elevations, but it wouldn't take a lot to change that with temperatures at about 1500m predicted around -5 C. ... I continue to assess the situation as very uncertain past day 4 or 5 with potential for a trend to develop either way from this near-normal sort of trend in the forecast.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Severe cold will continue two or three more days in almost all of western Canada and parts of the north central states, while snow moves into Washington state later today, as well as higher parts of Oregon, and later Idaho. Some snow may fall in B.C. near the border. Heaviest amounts are likely to be 15-30 cms in central Washington. Across western Canada, meanwhile, highs continue to struggle into the -25 C range from overnight lows not far from -40 C in places.

This intense cold is feeding a modified arctic breakoff high that will drift southeast across the western Great Lakes towards the mid-Atlantic states, bringing variable cloud, some sun and highs -6 to -2 C, a modified sort of cold for this region. Meanwhile, a developing storm near South Dakota and Iowa will bring light snow towards Wisconsin; south of that it will turn quite mild in a southwest flow with some chinook warming in Colorado; highs will range from about 10 C in Missouri to 20 C in Texas east to Florida, with the southeast turning colder with showers. Meanwhile far eastern Canada has a rain-snow mix with the low tracking northeast into Labrador.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday was cold, and has turned frigid since sunset as the arctic front finally slipped south; earlier it was near -1 C but now it is -12 C in a moderate east wind. Expecting at least light snow by morning as the storm mentioned above moves by to our south.

M.T. Cranium · 19-01-2012 8:17am

Thursday, 19 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Windy and turning a bit colder with showers becoming mixed or wintry at times over higher parts of the northwest ... hail with some thunder possible ... winds WNW 20-40 mph adding chill to highs of 6-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy and rather cold to start, but becoming milder as winds back to SW 20-40 mph with periods of rain later, lowest readings before midnight 2-4 C, then rising to about 6-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Periods of rain, windy, turning partly cloudy with more isolated showers in the mid-day to afternoon, winds WSW 20-40 mph, temperatures steady 8-10 C.

SATURDAY ... Further showers or periods of rain from early morning to mid-day, winds veering again to WNW 20-40 mph, turning a bit colder late in the day, lows 7-9 C and highs 9-11 C but closer to 5 C by evening.

SUNDAY ... A rather cold start with mixed showers possible, turning milder as the day unfolds, lows 2-4 C on average (could hit -1 C in a few spots) and highs 8-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Monday-Tuesday should continue rather unsettled and near normal in temperature, then a fairly extensive storm system will bring a chilly rain that has some potential to turn to sleet or snow depending on elevation mostly, mid-week ... some models are showing a slightly colder end of the week and last few days of January.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The severe cold is slowly relenting over western Canada with outbreaks of snow across the northern plains states and a push of freezing rain turning to rain for the west coast tonight into Friday morning. Temperatures, while still very cold, are rising slowly through the -20s towards -15 C in most places, and close to -2 C on the coast.

The southwest states have missed most of the storm further north but may see a few showers in places, warmish at 15-20 C. Turning milder across many central states but only slightly above freezing, cloudy, with snow moving through the western Great Lakes, 5-10 cms on average, while the northeast states remain cold and dry near -4 C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... The snowstorm just to our south spread cloud overhead and a few flurries, with a biting NE wind and temperatures steady near -6 C all day. We escaped with barely 1 cm of snow and it remains about the same tonight, -7 C with a low cloud ceiling and east winds.

M.T. Cranium · 20-01-2012 8:22am

Friday, 20 January, 2012
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The big weather news today is that the models have all shifted to a colder pattern starting about Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Details are somewhat mixed, see the cold spell thread for my detailed thoughts on that, but the general idea seems to be that the steady parade of Atlantic mild sectors will possibly defer to cold northerly or easterly patterns for about a week or more.

TODAY ... Mild and windy with periods of rain or showers, winds WSW 35-55 mph with some higher gusts possible near west coast, highs 10-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Staying mild with further rain or showers, winds veering slowly to WNW 30-50 mph, temperatures edging down slightly to about 7-8 C.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, windy, turning a bit colder late in the day, showers may contain some hail by afternoon, winds WNW 30-50 mph, highs about 10 C.

SUNDAY ... Cold to start, possibly some scattered frost well inland, wintry showers especially in north, lows -2 to +4 C (milder southwest), then increasing cloud, showers becoming mostly rain, winds backing to west again, highs near 9 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, cold, showers, lows near 4 C and highs near 7 C.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY ... Potentially a rather stormy interval with strong or very strong winds developing, from southwest at first, veering to west then northwest, periods of rain, possibly mixed with sleet or snow later, temperatures steady 7-9 C then falling slowly.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There is a somewhat higher chance now that conditions will turn cold or even very cold late in the week, and snow may enter the picture. Models also have some suggestions of settled, cold conditions, so it may take a few days to resolve the details.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Cold weather continues one more day across most of western Canada with snow spreading back north, followed near the coast by freezing rain and then rain. Inland it will stay below -15 C but on the coast, temperatures will rise gradually to +5 C. Further south, rain or showers with mountain snowfalls and strong winds for most of the western states.

Central states will see light snow with milder air south of about Oklahoma City to Memphis; snowfalls to the north will be 1-3 cms, temperatures to the south may stay in the 15-20 C range. This minor storm will affect the northeast on Saturday with 3-7 cms of snow there. But today will be dry and cold in the northeast, as snow moves away from the Great Lakes towards Maine and New Brunswick, with amounts about 5-10 cms (another rather weak system).

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday was cloudy and cold, and we are waiting for snow to arrive on a warm front, temperatures have edged up all day from a low of about -8 C to the current -3 C with winds ESE 20-30 mph. Freezing rain is likely for a while later tonight after a bit of snow, then our cold spell is over by morning (slush to rain).

M.T. Cranium · 21-01-2012 8:34am

Saturday, 21 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Windy with variable amounts of cloud, isolated showers, and highs around 10-11 C ... winds WNW 30-50 mph with some gusts to 60 mph in exposed west coast locations ... some improvement by late afternoon but turning a bit colder through the evening in diminishing NW winds.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals at first, temperatures steady around 3-5 C, then more cloud and showers in a developing westerly wind 20-40 mph, temperatures possibly rising to 7 C later in the night.

SUNDAY ... More showers, becoming mixed at times over higher parts of the north, winds WNW 20-40 mph, highs 7-9 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud with isolated showers, moderate westerly breezes, backing to southwest, lows 2-4 C and highs 8-10 C.

TUESDAY ... Increasing cloud, a cold start to the day with scattered inland frost, but turning milder again later, lows 1-3 C and highs 8-10 C.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY ... Periods of rain, becoming windy, mild at first, turning a bit colder especially by late Thursday in the northwest when rain could turn to sleet and then snow in a northerly wind. Temperatures likely to remain steady 7-8 C before falling gradually.

OUTLOOK ... Models offer two different outcomes, and the one that seems more plausible is a gradual development (as per the ECM) of a cool, dry pattern with increasingly severe frosts, leading eventually (about the end of the month) to wintry cold and local snowfalls in east winds. The other possible outcome is for a chilly, unsettled pattern of weak fronts from the northwest to continue to circulate around the remnants of the mid-week low.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The cold continues to relent slowly across western Canada and temperatures have almost returned to normal in some places, while mild and rainy conditions have edged into the west coast. Snow will be heavy across parts of the B.C., Washington and southern Alberta mountains, with freezing rain in some valleys.

A weak system is sliding east across OH, PA and MD towards the Atlantic and will spread 3-5 cms of snow into parts of the northeast U.S. today, while cold and dry weather continues further north in the Great Lakes and in northern New England. Highs are generally a few degrees below normal in this zone (meaning -5 to -10 C). The southeast U.S. will see a rather chilly rain with mountain sleet or wet snow, highs 10-13 C. Warm and dry across parts of the south central U.S., where a storm will develop later in the weekend pushing very mild air northeast again.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday started with early morning 1-3 cms of snow, then freezing rain to mid-morning, then rain and fog, all with moderate southeast winds, as warm fronts are slowly inching further east. They have not pushed very far past my location and there is still freezing rain to the east and north of here while we now have 5 degrees and slushy snow rapidly washing away.

M.T. Cranium · 22-01-2012 8:19am

Sunday, 22 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Windy with squally showers in the north at times, as winds shift from west to northwest at 35-55 mph in exposed areas (20-40 mph more generally) ... highs 10-12 C but temperatures may drop slightly after the winds shift, to 8-9 C. Rainfalls generally 1-2 mms. Late afternoon and evening some of the showers could become mixed over higher terrain.

TONIGHT ... Breezy, passing sleety showers, lows 5-7 C. Winds W 20-40 mph.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, mostly dry but some passing brief showers mostly in western counties, some heavier bursts of rain later in northwest spreading to Ulster, winds WSW 20-40 mph, highs 9-11 C.

TUESDAY ... A rather cold start, then increasing cloud, showers mainly western counties, lows 2-4 C and highs 8-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, becoming windy (SW 30-50 mph), rain and some hail developing, lows 4-6 C and highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, turning colder, mixed wintry showers over higher terrain, lows 3-5 C and highs 6-8 C, winds shifting to WNW 25-45 mph.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, cool, showers at times, lows 2-4 C and highs around 7 C.

OUTLOOK ... The models are generally showing transitional high pressure, not particularly cold or mild, but this might have potential to bring locally severe frosts well inland, and persistent fog. Otherwise, expect some sunshine and highs in the 6-9 C range next weekend, with frosts at night (generally around -3 C but possibly lower in places).

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Cold and dry for the northeast, Great Lakes regions today, clearing a slight snowfall away in places like NYC and Boston, highs 2-4 C on the coast to -10 C well inland. A few lingering showers in the southeast, chilly, highs 4-8 C. (Florida around 15-18 C) ... Central states turning quite mild with snow developing near Rockies and up towards Canadian border, most amounts 2-5 cms, but for most of the plains states, quite mild in a southerly flow, highs 13-17 C. Western Canada out of the deep freeze but locally rather cold as air mixes slowly, freezing drizzle or light snow in places, highs -7 to +1 C ... west coast milder, periods of rain, mountain wet snows, highs near sea level 7-10 C. Windy and about 15-20 C in the southwest states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was cloudy but generally dry, and the snow has generally melted, as highs reached 8 C.

M.T. Cranium · 23-01-2012 8:23am

Monday, 23 January, 2012
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New moon occurs today at 0740 UTC.

TODAY ... Cloudy with some brighter intervals, limited sunshine in east and south, isolated showers at times in west and north, turning to a steady rain later in northwest. Winds moderate westerly, highs 8-10 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy with a slight frost in parts of inland south and southeast, lows there 1-4 C, cloudy with occasional rain west and north, lows about 5-7 C.

TUESDAY ... Milder with periods of rain, moderate SW winds 25-40 mph, highs around 10-11 C. Rainfalls 5-15 mms.

WEDNESDAY ... Moderately windy at times (SSW 25-45 mph), mild at first, turning somewhat colder late in the day, lows 5-8 C and highs 8-10 C, temperatures around 5 C by evening. Rainfalls 5-10 mms. Some mixed showers by evening and overnight especially northern high ground.

THURSDAY ... Cold with rain or sleet at times, snow possible on higher terrain and hail showers mixed in, winds becoming NW'ly 20-30 mph, morning lows about 2-4 C and highs 4-7 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, moderate NW winds, lows near 2 C and highs 6-8 C.

OUTLOOK ... Mild air will be trying to push back in and may reach some western coastal districts, with more cloud and showers than elsewhere, as high pressure and somewhat cold weather continues for the south and southeast. Lows may continue to be frosty in some parts of the southeast, and highs will generally be in the 7-10 C range. Much colder air continues to lurk off to the east of the North Sea (on all model runs) and we can't rule out a visit from winter at some point but an aggressive push west is not shown in any of the models at this point.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Milder air is returning to the east coast with rain spreading north into the central plains states and western Great Lakes; highs today will generally be 10-13 C in most of these regions, but closer to 2-5 C in northern New England where wet snow may mark the warm frontal passage. Snow or freezing rain will spread further north ahead of low pressure in Iowa and Wisconsin. Meanwhile, milder air is also spreading inland from the Pacific and a weak chinook will start up later, bringing highs in some parts of Alberta and Montana back above 5 C, but further east it remains rather cold, with local freezing drizzle or snow. The coast itself will be windy and showery.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday 22nd was a rainy day with a cold southeast wind and highs about 4-5 C. Strong winds were gusting at times to about 45 mph.

M.T. Cranium · 24-01-2012 8:20am

Tuesday, 24 January, 2012
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TODAY ... Cloudy with periods of rain, showery at first, mild, with winds from the south to southwest at 25-40 mph ... highs 10-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers, mild, lows 5-8 C. Some fog developing, total rainfalls including today about 10-15 mms on average.

WEDNESDAY ... Showers becoming squally with some hail, winds SSW 20-40 mph, turning colder during the afternoon or evening, but highs 8-10 C before the cold front arrives. Overnight, showers becoming sleety and then mixed especially on higher terrain, lows dropping to 2-4 C.

THURSDAY ... Mixed wintry showers possible at times, cold, winds veering more to northwest at 20-35 mph, highs 5-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, cool, showers (still possibly mixed or wintry on higher terrain), lows 1-3 C and highs 6-9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Now the models have divided into two camps, with any mild spell being either short-lived and followed by much colder weather on easterly winds, or, the mild spell becoming windy from the west with showers. As the guidance is clearly unstable and in a state of flux, consider the weekend unsettled in more ways than one.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Mild in eastern states with rain developing, highs 10-15 C. Also rather mild in the Great Lakes region although rain early will clear to rain showers then mixed wintry showers, highs 5-8 C early. The southeast will be showery also with some periods of rain, and another storm is developing in west Texas with heavy rainfalls in places. Further north, near normal and dry, although mild in parts of the chinook zone as highs reach about 5-10 C. Breezy with showers on the west coast.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday was cloudy with some sunny breaks, and mild, with highs near 9 C.

No doubt the seemingly endless search for wintry cold will resume with a vengeance on the threads today ... forgive those of us now suffering from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder as these never-ending model shifts are both annoying and disorienting. Personally, I think the chances are a little better for cold than for mild.

M.T. Cranium · 25-01-2012 8:16am

Wednesday, 25 January, 2012
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ALERT for icy roads and local snow or sleet at higher elevations tonight and Thursday, in particular for higher parts of Mayo, Donegal and nearby parts of other counties.

TODAY ... Staying mild for the morning in western counties, with outbreaks of rain and some hail, then variable cloud and developing mixed wintry showers later, snow on hills by evening ... highs near 10 C before noon then temperatures falling to about 4 C by late afternoon ... further east and across the south, showers becoming heavy around late morning or afternoon, mild, turning colder this evening, highs 9-11 C. Rainfalls today generally 5-10 mms, winds moderate SW 20-40 mph until colder air arrives, then westerly at about 20 mph.

TONIGHT ... Cold and blustery with mixed or wintry showers, some snow on hills, lows 2-4 C.

THURSDAY ... Continued cold and unsettled with showers of hail or sleet at lower elevations, snow on hills, 2-5 cms possible in some areas 200-400m asl, and highs only 3-7 C. Moderate W-NW winds 20-40 mph adding chill.

FRIDAY ... Further mixed showers although with a slowly rising rain-snow elevation divider, morning lows 1-3 C, afternoon or evening highs 5-8 C.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY ... Most likely somewhat milder with variable cloud, some fog or mist, slight chance of frost well inland south and east, highs around 8-10 C. Slight chance of rain in northwest, but we should caution that forecasts are subject to change if colder air arrives early.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Turning somewhat colder (at least) as winds become more easterly during the week; the cold air may only reach eastern counties, and there are some model scenarios in which Ireland does not see cold easterly flow at all while Britain does ... so we have to stress an uncertain outlook here, but there is some chance of snow and severe cold at times in this outlook period.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Rather bland and near normal or slightly milder than average in the east, highs 4-8 C ... heavy rain in parts of Texas, Louisiana spreading northeast slowly, highs 10-15 C in this wet weather ... mild but patches of fog or drizzle across central and western regions, heavy wet snow in some higher elevations of mountains, highs generally 3-7 C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Heavy rain all day on Tuesday, highs 7-8 C.

M.T. Cranium · 26-01-2012 8:26am

Thursday, 26 January, 2012
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ALERT continued for locally icy roads due to frost and higher elevation snow or sleet, although hail closer to sea level could also be a hazard in places ... western counties are more likely to see poor road conditions.

TODAY ... Variable cloud, brief sunny intervals but frequent and sometimes heavy mixed or wintry showers, hail rather widespread, snow more likely above 200 metres asl, where 3-5 cms could accumulate in places ... icy roads for some regions ... highs 4-7 C. Winds across the south may be moderate westerly at times, adding chill in exposed areas.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with a few clear intervals, further wintry showers, lows about zero to 3 C.

FRIDAY ... Partly cloudy, still a few showers, although the mixed and wintry variety will be found at increasingly high elevations as it warms up slightly to reach 5-8 C.

SATURDAY ... Milder with some fog or mist, patchy light rain in far north, hazy sunshine could develop across south. Lows 1-4 C and highs 7-10 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy intervals, possibly some drizzle or light rain in parts of east and north, lows 2-5 C and highs 7-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Because the models seem to be struggling, I am going to continue to suggest percentage risks of cold and snow rather than trying to nail down a week-long outlook forecast ... the balance of probabilities would suggest that the west may remain in milder air, highs 8-11 C, some light rain at times, while the east will almost certainly be colder than that, but may not get into the deeper cold that will be lurking not far to the east ... so the chances are probably about 40% for modified cold (highs 3-6 C, some rain or sleet) and 30% for cold in the range of -4 to -1 C with some snow, or variations on those themes depending on how far west you are. The most recent model runs have had a milder theme than earlier on Wednesday, but with the frequent reversals and the size of the blocking high over Russia, the outlook is truly quite uncertain.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Rain is spreading gradually east towards the large cities of the east coast but may not arrive there until tonight, with mild temperatures all day (highs 12-15 C). A sleety mix of rain and wet snow is spreading into the Great Lakes region, and severe storms will continue in the mid-South (Memphis to Atlanta to Gulf coast). There is not much cold air interacting with this storm as the flow to its north is sourced from mild chinook conditions across most of the interior west, highs 8-12 C. The southwest remains warm and dry.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday was cloudy but mostly dry, with a light rain setting in this evening. Highs 8-10 C both yesterday and today.

M.T. Cranium · 27-01-2012 8:43am

Friday, 27 January, 2012
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The further we go into this forecast period, the more speculative the pattern becomes -- I have chosen the middle ground on this and highlighted some expected regional contrasts, but for all of next week, the outcome could quite possibly be a lot colder, or a lot milder, than indicated here.

TODAY ... Continued rather cold and unsettled at first, but winds should ease later especially across the south, with a partial clearing trend, as wintry showers become increasingly confined to higher parts of the north. Rain and hail showers are most likely near sea level, but hail, sleet and snow showers may continue part or most of the day in parts of the north. Winds of 25-45 mph from WNW will back later to SW 20-30 mph, but much lighter winds can be expected in the inland south by afternoon. Highs 6-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud near west and north coasts, clear intervals with fog, mist and some icy or frosty conditions in valleys inland south and east, lows generally in the range of -1 to +3 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy with some brighter intervals, showers rather isolated at first, then becoming more widespread in a moderate WSW flow 20-30 mph, highs 7-10 C, milder in west and northwest.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... Cloudy with a few clear intervals and patchy fog, mist and drizzle, rather cold, lows 2-5 C.

SUNDAY ... Mostly cloudy, occasional light rain, may mix with wet snow or sleet in parts of eastern Ulster and inland north Leinster, and on higher parts of Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Cold across the east, winds backing to SE at 10-20 mph, highs 3-6 C. Variable cloud, some showers possible, milder further west, highs 7-10 C.

OUTLOOK for NEXT WEEK ... Much of the time, there will be a marked temperature contrast from east to west as a rather diffuse front will settle in over the Irish Sea and eastern Ireland. This will lead to outbreaks of sleet, with snow possible at times especially higher elevations, but largely confined to eastern Ulster and northeast Leinster. Dublin will remain very close to this frontal boundary, and further west it will tend to stay mild except for brief intervals when the front drifts further west. Temperatures to the east of the front will be as low as -2 C at times, and generally in the range of 1-4 C. To the west, it will stay considerably milder, around 6-9 C on average, and 10 or 11 C on outer west coastal margins. This pattern could persist for several days or even the entire week. Confidence is rather low concerning details, watch for updates because as we get closer to the time, the forecast models may begin to pick up on the details which will help us with the timing. I still consider it quite plausible that a snowfall event could develop eventually, as things are in a rather fine balance between a weak Atlantic flow trying to hold its position, and a very wide-ranging cold blocking high which could at some point begin to push west more vigorously.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Ah, the relief of forecasting for a continent with moving air masses ... the northeast U.S. will be quite mild today with outbreaks of rain and highs 11-14 C, even milder near the VA-NC borders, ahead of a rather weak cold front with showers and thunderstorms. The Great Lakes will see sleet turning to wet snow and temperatures near +1 C.

The central plains states will remain cloudy and near-freezing, while the western parts of Canada and the northwest states will see some clearing and continued rather mild weather. Strong frontal systems in the far north are bringing snowfalls to the subarctic and while -20 to -25 C sounds very cold, above normal temperatures in many areas.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... We had a nice break from cloud today (Thursday) with clear skies and highs near 7 C.

M.T. Cranium · 27-01-2012 8:20pm

UPDATE _ Friday, 27 January, 2012 _ 7:30 p.m.
____________________________________________

Recent guidance has shifted somewhat to the colder side of the equation for next week, but there is still quite a spread in possible outcomes from the severe cold indicated on the North American based models (arriving about Thursday) and a more modified frontal zone situation suggested by the European based models. So rather than updating the forecast, we should now be watching closely for better model consensus that might indicate the actual outcome of what remains a very difficult forecast challenge (for the models, reading them is not that tricky, but you have to know which one is right, or which blend will work).

Just as a conditional forecast, if the GFS/GEM blend was correct, eastern Ireland would be looking at -5 C and 10-30 cms of snow late next week, but if the Euro and UK models were correct, it would be more of a sleety mix with temperatures 2-4 C at sea level. So the impacts would be vastly different. It is unlikely that a compromise between those two states would verify, simply because of air mass differences, either you're into the arctic air, or stuck in the transitional polar air mass.

The chances for southeast England to see severe cold and snow are now looking almost 80% on model consensus, the arctic front would reach at least a Nottingham to Isle of Wight position at some point on the weakest of the solutions now available.

M.T. Cranium · 28-01-2012 8:35am

Saturday, 28 January, 2012
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ALERT for icy patches on roads in rural parts of eastern and central Ireland to about 1030h in well-shaded locations especially in valleys.

TODAY ... Cloudy for most, some dense fog patches and icy sections on rural roads in east-central counties this morning, light rain spreading into the west and becoming drizzly or misty later as it encounters the colder air further east. Highs 7-10 C west and 4-7 C east, light to moderate SW winds.

TONIGHT ... Fog and drizzle, light rain, accumulations of about 5-15 mms heavier north-central counties, chilly with lows 2-5 C, some risk of sleet or wet snow on higher terrain.

SUNDAY ... Hazy, or misty with some lingering drizzle and light rain at times, slightly milder in southerly winds 10-20 mph, highs 8-11 C.

SUNDAY NIGHT ... Turning colder in east Ulster and north Leinster, rain may become sleety or change to wet snow in some higher parts well inland, otherwise staying foggy and rather mild with drizzle, lows 1-3 C north/east to about 3-7 C west.

MONDAY ... The east-west divide may continue with sleety rain or wet snow at times in east Ulster and coastal Leinster, while further west most places remain a bit milder with fog, rain or drizzle at times, highs 3-6 C east, but about 7-10 C west.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY ... Little change as fronts remain near the east coast of Ireland, any clearing at night could lead to sharp frost and icy patches on roads, but in general, this mid-week period will be cloudy with patchy light rain or sleet, milder to the west, highs in the range 3-8 C.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY ... This period could turn considerably colder, but guidance continues to be less than unanimous ... with very cold air likely to be present as close as southeast England and northeast France (-10 C or so) a sharp front will be trying to push west and could succeed in bringing sub-freezing temperatures and some outbreaks of snow to eastern counties. This may never get much further west than about Athlone to Waterford, and with mixed precipitation in that zone, milder and rain or drizzle to the west. However, at some stage, the very cold air and snow could make a push even further west. The chances are assessed at about 70% possible for cold and snow in eastern counties, to 30% in west coastal counties, during this period.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The consensus seems to be that any cold spell would begin to break down over the period Saturday-Monday 4th to 6th, after which a milder Atlantic southwest flow would return, with highs 8-10 C. However, there are some solutions that suggest a longer and more sustained cold spell.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... A weak system is heading east through the Great Lakes bringing a gradual infusion of much colder air and local snow flurries or squalls mostly in the 3-5 cm range, as temperatures fall slowly towards -7 C in advance of a very cold Sunday-Monday. This modified cold will edge into the northeast states and the large cities later today, but for most of the day, it will be partly cloudy with isolated showers or wet flurries and highs 3-5 C. Central regions are generally clear and very cold under a strong arctic ridge, highs well below normal around -10 C to -20 C. (closer to the Gulf of Mexico, just above freezing) ... modified cold across much of western Canada with outbreaks of snow in the higher mountains, but no major systems.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was a cloudy day with patchy light rain, less than 2 mms, but it was cold enough at first for some graupel or soft hail.

M.T. Cranium · 29-01-2012 8:23am

Sunday, 29 January, 2012
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ADVANCE ALERT for possible interval of severe wintry weather conditions in at least some eastern and northern counties if not most of the country, between Thursday 2nd and Monday 6th. Locally heavy snowfalls could develop in that period together with sub-freezing temperatures. The probability is currently assessed at 65% for the east and north, but only 35% for west and south. The reason for uncertainty is a large spread of outcomes on various weather models, although the majority of the guidance supports this wintry period. Further discussion both in the forecast below, and more extensively on the forum discussion threads.

TODAY ... Rather mild and foggy with periods of rain, tapering off to drizzle later, further amounts 10-15 mms in some eastern counties, 5-10 mms west. Highs 8-11 C and winds rather light to moderate southerly backing more to east later. Dense fog this evening especially at higher elevations.

TONIGHT ... Foggy and turning colder in east and north, drizzle mixing with sleet in some places, while staying relatively mild in south and west. Lows falling to 2-5 C east/north but 4-7 C south/west.

MONDAY ... Mostly cloudy, brief intervals of brighter hazy sunshine, but also scattered outbreaks of light rain, sleety at times in Ulster, north Leinster. Highs 4-7 C east/north, 7-10 C south/west.

TUESDAY ... Becoming colder in stages with drizzly or sleety and rather foggy conditions spreading west and south, temperatures steady around 4-6 C then falling slightly, outbreaks of heavier rain moving through parts of the southwest where it may remain closer to 9-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, turning steadily colder in a raw southeast wind, sleety showers in some east coast locations, possibly remaining quite a bit milder over the far west, highs generally 2-5 C east to 5-8 C west.

THURSDAY to SUNDAY ... This period may become very wintry with severe cold and outbreaks of snow concentrated on the east coast and parts of the north, although at times hitting the south and even the west, depending on how strong the westward push of arctic air becomes. As mentioned in the alert, there remains some chance of this not reaching Ireland and stalling in Britain, in which case the period would almost certainly be wet and rather mild with southeast to south gale force winds at times. However, the forecast we will suggest as more likely at this point is for sub-freezing temperatures to arrive on moderate southeast winds, gusty at times near the east coast, and heavy snow streamers pushing some distance inland around Wicklow, Dublin, Meath and east Ulster. Temperatures in general during this period, if the cold air does arrive, would likely be steady in a narrow range between -5 and -2 C for most, but any overnight clearing after snow could lead to much colder readings in north Leinster and east Ulster in particular.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... It would be almost certain that if the cold air arrives during the above period, a further snowstorm event would develop as milder air tries to push back into Ireland from the west around Monday-Wednesday 6-8 February. We can only speculate about details that far out, but there are strong energy peaks in this period and heavy snow could develop, together with heavy rain in the far southwest (from the current GFS model output, the rain-snow line would likely be something like Limerick to Waterford). If the preceding period did not turn cold, then this further outlook period would likely be very mild and rainy, possibly with very strong winds developing too (since the battleground would then be somewhere to the east over perhaps eastern England). We stress that this outlook period is quite speculative and there remains some chance of severe cold continuing a lot longer than model runs are suggesting (personally would say 20% chance of that).

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Much colder today for the northeast U.S. as arctic air pours southeast across the Great Lakes with further heavy snow squalls in places there. Highs generally -3 C near coast to -10 C well inland. Clear and cold in Midwest, a gradually milder trend further west into the plains states on a moderate southerly wind. Heavy mountain snows in parts of B.C. and Washington, but a strong chinook developing in southern and central Alberta, while modified cold hangs on further east in the prairies and northern plains, with some outbreaks of snow. Alaska is seeing another cold wave although the high responsible is quite weak, having drifted away from the parent low in northeast Siberia. It's interesting to note that you could travel (by what means not sure) from northeast Siberia to Finland and never leave the vicinity of arctic high pressure or pressures over 1050 mbs at this point in time.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wet snow occurred in the early morning and left about 2-3 cms of slush for most of the day as it remained just cold enough to prevent fast melting at 4-5 C. A few sprinkles of rain and overcast most of the daytime hours, damp and misty at present.

(picture in my mind for Wicklow higher elevations)

M.T. Cranium · 30-01-2012 8:22am

Monday, 30 January, 2012
_________________________________

ALERT for some local wet snow or sleet developing by tonight and Tuesday mostly on higher ground in north and east, followed by patchy frost and ice fog mid-week, but of more concern, ADVANCE ALERT for significant severe wintry weather arriving by Thursday especially east and north, with locally heavy snow showers possible as well as sub-freezing temperatures night and day (with brief respites near sea level) from Thursday to about Saturday, also the risk of freezing rain closer to a frontal boundary in west-central counties.

The forecast continues about the same after reviewing the latest model display which continues to straddle somewhat of a spectrum of outcomes ...

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, brief intervals of brighter hazy sunshine, but also scattered outbreaks of light rain, sleety at times in Ulster, north Leinster. Some accumulating wet snow on higher terrain in Ulster. Rainfalls may amount to 10-15 mms by late evening in southwest. Highs 4-7 C east/north, 7-10 C south/west.

TONIGHT ... Cold in north and east with sleet turning to wet snow and possibly mixed with freezing drizzle, although alternating with rain near sea level and in urban areas. Some accumulations possible in rural parts of Leinster and much of Ulster. Lows of zero to +2 C. Milder west and south with fog and rain, lows of 4 to 7 C.

TUESDAY ... Becoming colder in stages with drizzly or sleety and rather foggy conditions spreading west and south, temperatures steady around 4-6 C then falling slightly, outbreaks of heavier rain moving through parts of the southwest where it may remain closer to 9-10 C until late afternoon, then turning sharply colder also.

TUESDAY NIGHT ... Some scattered frost and ice in east and north, also a few isolated snow showers, lows near -2 C. Misty or foggy and cool with sleet in west and south, lows 1-3 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, turning steadily colder in a raw southeast wind, sleety showers in some east coast locations, possibly remaining quite a bit milder over the far west, highs generally 1-4 C east to 4-7 C west.

THURSDAY to SUNDAY ... It now seems very likely that eastern and northern counties will be into a very cold air mass that produces overnight readings of about -7 C or lower, and daytime readings of -2 to +2 C, with scattered streamer-generated snow or hail showers in parts of Wicklow, Dublin, Meath, and east Ulster. This could spread at times to parts of the south and central counties. The far west will not turn this cold, but may reach freezing or lower at night, with sleet possibly turning to snow, but with freezing rain in some inland areas, especially during the weekend when somewhat milder air tries to return east. This may in turn set off more snow in eastern Ireland. Rather early to speculate on amounts of snow in general, but local falls of 10 cms or more would be plausible.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... We are presented with two rather different end-games for this cold spell, one being a weak push of mild air that is quickly overwhelmed by further cold in waves from the northeast, or an inversion type cold high, while on the other hand the European model seems to favour my original stab in the dark of a much milder southwest flow quickly regaining the upper hand. So take your pick depending on what you would like to see, I feel that the chances are about equal for any of these outcomes.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Mild air is flooding north and covering most of the central U.S. and parts of western Canada, and it remains relatively mild further west as well. Later this week a spring-like surge of warmth will develop over all of the west, this current central mild spell will be a separate feature heading off rather quickly east to bring temperatures back to around 10 or 12 C in the east by Tuesday.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday was a drab sort of day with some heavy rain at first, then sporadic light rain later. Highs reached about 7 C.

Travel alert for anyone heading to London, by Wednesday severe cold and locally heavy snow will be into southeast England and it could promote airport and other forms of transport delays. One of the problems might be frozen switches on railways as temperatures could be well below -7 C. Any snow will likely create gridlock and Kent seems especially prone to streamers in this set-up.

M.T. Cranium · 31-01-2012 8:28am

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012
________________________________

ALERT for icy roads in a few places today and more widespread tonight, also for isolated snow flurries today and possible local accumulations following days.

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy although a few brief sunny intervals may develop in parts of northeast mid-day, occasional drizzle becoming sleety and turning to wet snow with slight accumulations mainly over hills; exception being southwest mainly Kerry where milder air will allow rain to continue until evening, slight accumulations 2-4 mms. Winds rather raw from southeast 20-30 mph, highs 3-6 C east, north and 6-9 C south, west.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud with some clear intervals allowing patchy freezing fog to develop as lows drop to the range of -5 to -2 C inland ... larger cities and some coastal regions likely to remain just above freezing in places ... widespread icy sections on roads, some local flurries although most places dry. Far southwest could hold on to some light rain for a while.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals, local snow showers or hail near southeast coast, small accumulations possible, staying frosty in shaded or low-lying areas, highs 1-4 C ... winds SE 25-35 mph trending more to S 20-30 mph in far west where highs 4-7 C.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ... Extensive clearing and very cold, risk of local snow showers in Wicklow and possibly other places on east coast, and isolated elsewhere, some accumulations possible mainly some distance inland Wexford and Wicklow, lows generally -8 to -4 C except closer to -2 C around exposed coasts and in far west.

THURSDAY ... Sunny intervals, very cold, local snow showers that may be briefly heavy in places, some accumulations (5-10 cms and slight chance to 20 cms) mainly in Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Meath and east Ulster ... raw but moderate winds 20-30 mph at times from SSE ... highs -2 to +3 C on average.

THURSDAY NIGHT into FRIDAY ... Sleet or wet snow developing, heavy snow on higher ground in parts of south central Ireland, turning to rain near west coast, the mix all moving slowly east and appearing on east coast during Friday (possibly merging with leftover streamers) and briefly heavy especially away from the Dublin city centre or sea level ... fog and some freezing rain in the mix ... winds southerly 20-30 mph, quite raw as temperatures struggle slowly upwards above 2-3 C only by evening except for 5-8 C in west.

SATURDAY ... A few leftover patches of freezing rain or sleet should change over to rain but could turn back to wet snow later, as winds veer more to west 25-40 mph, temperatures mainly in the 4-6 C range then falling back slightly ... possible heavy snow in higher parts of the north.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy, showers, generally milder especially south and west, highs 8-10 C there, more like 5-8 C elsewhere.

OUTLOOK ... I am now more confident than earlier that my "plan A" has been adopted by the models and it will turn quite mild although generally dry in a somewhat anticyclonic westerly backing to southwest later. It may in fact become very mild, odd as that many sound, 12-14 C could occur by mid-week but it will start closer to 10 C. Some chance of rain later in the week.

Speculation about reloads of arctic air or close blocking may better be described as issues for Scotland or eastern England in the pattern envisaged, the colder air is not going to be shunted a huge distance east but far enough for this outlook to be preferred.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Briefly, rather mild in most regions, with a weak storm track mainly across the southern third of Canada and even to north of that, not especially cold although vaguely wintry with wet snow or sleet in places. Across most of the U.S. and southern Canada temperatures will average 5-10 degrees above normal quite widely. A fairly strong storm will develop in the central plains during the coming week while a weaker disturbance moves across northern New England and the eastern provinces of Canada to join the end of the cold snap party by Friday.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Drab and rather nondescript cloud with a bit of light rain at times, and highs on Monday near 7 C. Looking forward to better weather after two more days of this.

Frequent updates likely on the threads, I will update the forecast if I believe guidance has shifted significantly on the position of the Thursday-Friday frontal boundary. Be aware that this is already a compromise between several positions and scenarios, there are milder theories of what will happen and one or two colder depictions especially some parts of the GFS suite.

:cool:

ninebeanrows · 31-01-2012 10:11am

Thanks again MT

Just want to throw my Forecast in for the laugh.

Today:

During today cold lower level air will drip feed across the country. Dewpoints are already falling and temperatures will generally be depressed to 2-4c for most and slowly falling from 6or7c in the west to 3-5c during the day. During the evening one or two graupel/sleet showers maybe effect the east and southeast coasts. However upper air temperatures rise slightly so i don't see much chance of real snow. A sharp frost overnight with temperatures down to -4c inland however remaining near 0-3c near eastern and southern coasts.

Wednesday

Low level cold will remain over the country and it will start very frosty with dewpoints remaining below freezing all day. The liklihood of some decent sunny breaks and temperatures will rise from 2-5c during the day. It will be mostly dry with a few sprinkles of graupel or rain/sleet in some eastern and southern coastal districts. It will turn very cold during the evening and overnight with a sharp frost. Temperatures will fall to -5c inland and from -1c to +2c around exposed coasts. Some light wintry showers approaching the east and southern coasts at times and these will be readily falling as snow.

Thursday:

A very cold day across much of the country (perhaps away from the southwest coast). A few snow flurries possible in coastal districts of the east and south at first. However atlantic fronts will approach the west by evening while cold upper air temperatures feed into the east and southeast. Sharp frost overnight in most areas away from western coasts where cloud and drizzle will be approaching. Temps to -5c but upto 4c along western coasts.

Friday:

Uncertainty remains HIGH. 40% chance of significant snowfall in eastern and northeastern areas. This forecasts preferred solution is for a frontal band to push from the west turn to snow as it hits the midlands and east. Precipitation amounts likely very small at first. However there is potential for a period of snow for the eastern half of the country with accumulations of snow. Cold upper air temperatures will continue to feed from the deep cold pool in the east while a small shortwave ejects southeastwards. Precipitation will increase and heavy snow is likely on the eastern fringe. Some large accumulations likely especially on mountains.

Saturday:

The frontal feature will slowly being to move southwards. It will remain very cold in the east and northeast with a very large temperature gradient across the country. Temperatures near 10c in the southwest while areas in the east (Dublin/ Belfast) will remain near 0c.

darkman2 · 31-01-2012 1:50pm

I was going to quote and correct your post for Friday to "This Portmarnock's preferred forecast...".;) Very optimistic. I rate the chances less then you do on a significant snow event risk at the weekend. However it is possible and it would be wrong not to point it out. My own thinking is temporary snowfall for a few hours max. But we'll see.

I agree that we could see a few light snow showers in the East (maybe even the South) through the week. Remember too a dusting is actually not that unlikely given the projected temperature range. Anything that falls is going to hang around either in the form of ice or snow.

M.T. Cranium · 01-02-2012 7:30am

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Mostly dry and cold with moderate southeast to south winds, occasionally 20-30 mph, adding chill to daytime highs of only 3-6 C. Skies will range from mostly overcast to partly cloudy with some good spells of sunshine in places mostly well inland. There will be a slight risk of hail or snow showers from streamers that could briefly form near the Wexford and Wicklow coasts and also further north towards Down. The risk is very slight for Dublin. Watch for updates or discussions on threads.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, very cold with the continuing slight risk of flurries or hail showers near the south and east coasts. Ice fog may develop in some low-lying central and northeast inland locations. Lows -3 to -7 C except closer to zero C near exposed coasts and in far west.

THURSDAY ... Sunny intervals, very cold, scattered snow or hail showers near south and east coasts (potential for 5-10 cms in a few locations). Most places should remain dry, however, except for ice or freezing fog issues. Highs for the day could fail to reach 2 C in shaded locations especially, and 4 to 6 C at best. Winds moderate SE to S at times. Wind chills around -5 C.

THURSDAY NIGHT and FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud, very cold, outbreaks of light snow or freezing drizzle, turning gradually to rain in west, possibly staying icy or snowy in parts of east and north, winds generally S but backing to SE at times in colder air (rather light surface flows). Foggy over hills and more generally towards west coast. Overnight lows -3 to -7 C except close to 1-2 C west coast, then highs 0-4 C east to 4-8 C west.

FRIDAY NIGHT and SATURDAY ... With overnight readings close to the freezing point or just below in some eastern sections, mixed wet snow and rain, possibly rather drizzly, will continue to edge east but western regions will turn considerably milder (8-11 C) with moderate WSW winds while further east it could stay cold with sleet or drizzle and highs near 4 C.

SUNDAY ... Milder in general, moderate W winds, lows near 3 C and highs about 7 C east to 11 C west.

OUTLOOK ... The following week is likely to be quite mild and generally dry with some sunshine at times, also some drizzle or light showers mainly in Connacht. Highs will be generally in the range of 9-12 C, overnight lows not frosty for most although slight ground frost possible at times.

UNCERTAINTY RANGE should be mentioned for Friday-Saturday; the breakdown of cold air to milder conditions could be either faster or slower than mentioned, and snowfall could range from slight or negligible to several centimetres, depending on how much of a resistance the cold air mounts, and how strong the push of Atlantic moisture (as opposed to mildness) actually affects Ireland. I'm expecting something along the lines of 5 mms of liquid equivalent on average with 2-4 cm snowfall potential in some places.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Fortunately for my fingers, the basic idea in North America remains mild or very mild, and the temperatures could be well into the 12-15 C range in many places across the north-central U.S. and 15 to 20 C further south. As mentioned yesterday, a fairly significant system is developing slowly around Texas. West is also mild and southwest getting quite warm.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday was cloudy with occasional light rain. The high was about 8 C.

M.T. Cranium · 02-02-2012 8:43am

Thursday, 2 February, 2012
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ALERT for poor road conditions in a few places this morning due to black ice or freezing fog, and then by tonight into Friday, due to local freezing drizzle or snow and sleet making for very slippery conditions.

TODAY ... Sunshine through increasing amounts of high cloud, watch for solar halo effect mid-day, very cold ... some ice fog could linger well into the late morning in shaded locations inland ... winds rather light but keen from SSE at about 15-25 mph ... always the slight chance of snow showers near south and southeast coasts, east Ulster (5-10 cms could fall from them, although I think the chances are probably slight) ... highs today -2 to +3 C except 4-7 near southwest coastal promontories.

TONIGHT ... Likely staying dry if cloudy in the east, except where any onshore snow develops, but becoming misty with freezing drizzle possible at first, mixing with sleet and wet snow as it moves slowly east, mainly west of about Athlone to Waterford. Temperatures will rise very slowly with this diffuse front to reach 2-4 C in parts of the west, but it will stay around -7 to -4 C in the east.

FRIDAY ... Mixed sleet, freezing drizzle, snow for most eastern and northern counties at times, although amounts may be slight ... icy roads can be expected with this coating ... drizzle, light rain and fog in the west at times, milder there. Highs in east about -1 to +3 C, in the west 4-8 C. Some heavier snow could develop in east Ulster, potential 5-10 cms.

FRIDAY NIGHT into SATURDAY ... Continued messy mix of all sorts in the east, very foggy in places, slowly turning more to rain as temperatures edge above freezing to about 4 C ... becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers and milder west, highs 8-10 C. Some northern areas could see a late return to wet snow with winds veering more to northwest behind an occluded front.

SUNDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, milder in general although some cold air could remain trapped over east Ulster, lows 2-4 C and highs 7-10 C. Winds generally westerly 20-30 mph.

OUTLOOK ... Some models suggest that cold air will never leave southern England during this coming week and that some ridging may allow a creeping return of some of this colder air to southeast Ireland. Others say that the Atlantic will gain the upper hand over Ireland and the northern two-thirds of the U.K., leading to a fairly mild week although some nights could be clear and rather cold. The best compromise is to suggest a lot of partly cloudy, dry and reasonably mild weather with some locally colder spots, the mildest influence no doubt being around the west and north coasts where it could reach 10-12 C almost each day, but potential for some highs 4-7 C in the southeast, and overnight lows -2 to +3 C there, generally frost-free in west Munster, Connacht and Ulster. Longer-term, there could be returns of cold wintry conditions from a northerly direction next time (mid-month?)

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... After an outrageously warm first day of February, parts of the northeast U.S. will cool slightly to 8-10 C in a cloudy northerly, while further south it stays very warm. The PA groundhog may or may not see his shadow depending on what Accuweather wants. Further west in the central plains, mild in southeast winds, rain spreading north from Texas, highs mostly 10-14 C. Severe storms may develop in eastern TX into Louisiana. Western Canada very mild, even around Great Slave Lake it will be above freezing today, as a deep Pacific low brings snow and blowing snow to Alaska and Yukon. Very warm also in the western U.S. except local cold inversions in the Great Basin states of Utah and Nevada.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday was delightfully sunny for a change, despite a lot of dark clouds from the zenith north to the mountains (lucky we're in the northern hemisphere). High was 7 C but it felt mild in the sun. Clear and rather chilly this evening.

M.T. Cranium · 03-02-2012 8:32am

Friday, 3 February, 2012
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ALERT for slippery or icy roads in many parts of Ireland away from the milder west coast. Although amounts are likely to be small, freezing drizzle or wet snow could be falling ahead of cold rain, and this might tempt some to drive at full speed on roads that become more slippery than they appear -- exercise extreme caution until temperatures are well above 3 or 4 C. Roads sometimes retain colder surface temperatures than your car thermometer or the radio station are reporting.

TODAY ... Cloudy and very cold, with slightly milder air edging into western counties accompanied by sleet then rain. Later, some freezing drizzle or wet snow could start falling ahead of the rain into the colder air, making some roads very icy although they may be slippery from black ice before this ... temperatures will tend to rise slowly and could stay below freezing to mid-day in the east, while reaching 4-8 C on the west coast, eventually perhaps 2-4 C east.

TONIGHT ... Further rain, drizzle or freezing drizzle mixed with sleet or snow in parts of north and east, brief clear intervals which will tend to produce dense fog patches, chilly with lows -1 to +3 C.

SATURDAY ... Mostly cloudy with bands of light rain or sleet, possibly mixing with snow at times in Ulster and over higher ground elsewhere, then a band of heavier rain marking the final stage of warming, as temperatures continue to edge up towards 5-8 C (10 C west coast). Not too windy near surface due to inversions, hills could see strong gusts from west.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, a cold start for some but milder again by mid-day and afternoon, lows 2-5 C and highs 8-12 C, isolated showers but some sunny intervals.

MONDAY to WEDNESDAY ... Mild air seems likely to set up camp over Ireland but could be held out of some parts of the southeast by persistent morning inversions linked to lingering cold air in southern Britain and northern France. Otherwise, most of the country is likely to see highs 9-12 C after morning lows that may fall to near freezing in some spots but 3-6 C west coast. Skies will be quite variable although the general theme is settled with some low cloud and drizzle near northwest coast.

OUTLOOK ... Models are once again at cross-purposes, with the GFS quite bullish on returning cold from swelling high pressure over Scotland, while most other guidance is more subdued with various shades of cooling influence within the generally Atlantic dominated aftermath of the cold spell (which still hangs on in southeast England on most guidance). The most likely outcome is just a slight cooling from earlier in the week to about 7-9 C daytime and slight frosts at night, perhaps heavier frosts in the inland southeast.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The very mild spell has been suppressed well south now and the next low in the series, emerging from Texas, is having more trouble lifting the warmer air north than in recent weeks, so that sleet and freezing rain are appearing in the Midwest. Heavy rain and some severe weather will continue to move slowly east through the deep South. A colder high is dropping south from Quebec to New England, highs there near freezing or below. Rather mild in the northern plains and very mild from there west, in a balmy southerly flow up the inland west coast from California to British Columbia -- this feeds a strong chinook warming into Alberta and sends mild air as far north as the shores of the Arctic Ocean in north central Canada, but it's much colder to the west across Yukon and Alaska.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday was a very pleasant mild and sunny day with a very colourful orange and pink sunset, highs were near 10 C.

Moon tonight (visible here) is at its "northern maximum" crossing the Milky Way north of Orion at a declination of 24 degrees. It is just above the position of the late June sun at mid-day. I've noticed the past few evenings that Venus is gaining rapidly in brightness as it gains altitude in the southwest, and the separation from Jupiter in the sky is noticeably decreasing towards the 13th of March close conjunction. Will mention this again towards end of February with some viewing hints.

M.T. Cranium · 04-02-2012 8:13am

Saturday, 4 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Periods of rain gradually ending with drizzle then clearing from west, rainfalls 7-15 mms, winds SW 20-30 mph veering to WNW 20-30 mph, some higher gusts in north ... high temperatures about 9-10 C in most places but could remain 5-8 C in Ulster.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, isolated frost may develop, but then dissipate, as more cloud arrives later ... isolated showers or brief hail showers, lows of about 2-4 C on average, winds moderate west to northwest.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, a few more light showers, relatively mild with highs 8-10 C.

MONDAY and TUESDAY ... Not much change, milder than recent days but only very mild in west, with partly cloudy to overcast skies, little if any rain, slight frosts in southeast but not elsewhere ... typical highs near 9 C and lows near 3 C.

WEDNESDAY to ??? ... Some models want to re-introduce very cold air that pushes back strongly from the London region where it may never be totally removed by these weak fronts over the weekend ... other models say more of a subtle cooling trend as higher pressure develops but some Atlantic influence remains. The compromise, then, is to predict dry and seasonable conditions with highs generally 6-9 C and lows -2 to +3 C but it could be as much as 5-8 degrees colder than that or 2-4 milder depending on how the European cold wave decides to continue its activities. There really is quite a wide range of possible outcomes longer term, it may turn out to be almost a spring-like February with lots of dry and rather mild weather, or it could be a return to the wintry conditions of the past three days only with a bit of snow in the mix.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The western regions will be very mild and sunny, with above normal temperatures ranging from 18-22 C in the south, to 10-13 C near the Canadian border. Also very mild to warm in the prairies and Montana. Meanwhile, a storm moving east through Kansas will spread sleet and snow across the Midwest and central plains, with rain and some severe storms heading east from OK-TX towards AR-LA. The southeast will be mild and dry, but the Mid-Atlantic and northeast states, Great Lakes will be cloudy to partly cloudy and relatively cool under high pressure in northern Ontario. Newfoundland will have a day-long snowstorm giving eastern sections about 30 cms of snow and very strong northerly winds. That low is heading for west Greenland.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was a stunning day which may be why I feel stunned at the moment, and the high was about 10 C. Even better temperatures lie ahead.

M.T. Cranium · 05-02-2012 9:00am

Sunday, 5 February, 2012
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Overview: The severe European cold spell will not break down this week and its outer edges will continue to push back west towards Britain, which means that Ireland will be in a transitional air mass with the coldest influences in the southeast and the mildest in the west and north. There is also some uncertainty about how strong a westward push back of cold air may develop, so it could turn out a bit or even a lot colder than my forecast which tends to follow the less aggressive guidance on that potential.

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with occasional light rain but only 1-3 mms for most, perhaps 3-5 mms in some parts of the southwest. Rather mild especially western half, highs 9-12 C west but 7-10 C east. Moderate west to northwest breezes 15-25 mph, some higher gusts.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud west, isolated showers, lows 3-6 C. Clearing with some fog or low cloud developing later east, lows -1 to +3 C. Some frost and icy patches towards sunrise.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, continuing mild west, but somewhat chilly east, highs about 11 C on the west coast, 9 C Roscommon south to Cork and Waterford, 6 C east coast and inland including most of Leinster and Ulster. Winds mostly light west to northwest, a few isolated showers in the north.

TUESDAY ... Sunny intervals, rather cold in east, near normal in west where some low cloud and drizzle may develop at times, central regions likely cloudy but dry with raw southeast breezes in many parts, morning lows in the range of -3 to +3 C and highs in the range 6 to 10 C.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY ... Dry and cool, some very cold nights possible southeast inland, lows in the range -5 to +2 C and highs in the range 4 to 9. Light southeast to south winds. Persistent fog or freezing fog could develop in some southeast and central inland valleys.

OUTLOOK ... Increasing cloud and unsettled for northwest but the dry, cool influence may continue longer elsewhere. There would always be a risk of a colder turn with snow in east.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The western half of North America is enjoying a sunny, very mild weekend and highs are several degrees above normal, near 14 C in parts of western Canada and 20-25 C southwest U.S., although there's some snow left in Colorado from an earlier storm that is holding temperatures down there. An active storm system continues to weaken over the central plains with a few outbreaks of sleet or snow left, rain further south, but this may be almost broken apart by later today. The big Super Bowl football game is played indoors at Indianapolis but the weather outside in most of the region is cloudy and chilly although not too cold for time of year, near freezing. A snowstorm is moving away from eastern Newfoundland leaving behind 10-30 cms of snow and blowing snow in strong northwest winds.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was sunny with a high near 12 C, almost mild enough to go without a jacket. Today looks even milder.

Travel plans for London? Conditions should gradually improve there later today. Expect delays or cancellations until mid-afternoon. There is a widespread snow cover of 10-20 cms in southeast England now. Some major highways are closed or very slow going. That may extend as far north as Manchester and Sheffield.

M.T. Cranium · 06-02-2012 8:31am

Monday, 6 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with a few brighter intervals east and south, some outbreaks of drizzle or light rain later, but little accumulation ... light winds from a southwesterly direction mostly, and highs 7-11 C milder in west.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, drizzle at times, fog or mist developing, lows in western counties 4-7 C, east 2-5 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals, light rain more likely near west and north coasts, highs 7-9 C.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY ... Mostly dry weather with a lot of cloud but some clear intervals, rather chilly especially inland southeast, lows -2 to +3 C and highs 6-9 C (could be as mild as 10-11 C outer west coast).

OUTLOOK ... Indications remain a bit mixed but it should turn slightly more unsettled late in the week and there could be some rain in the north especially, but the colder influence will continue to seep into the southeast as winds are generally from that direction albeit very light. Some guidance is suggesting a period of milder and windy weather to follow the weekend.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Western regions remain warm and dry (trending to mild in British Columbia) with highs continuing 20-25 C south and 8-12 C north, but a much colder arctic high is settling south into the prairies and will move gradually across the border into the northern plains by tonight and tomorrow. Temperatures with this will fall into the minus teens or even minus twenties, with sunshine. Cloud and near normal temperatures are the rule in the eastern states with very weak frontal waves rippling east ahead of the arctic outbreak.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday was mild with considerable high cloudiness but with the sun getting through at times, and the highs were near 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 07-02-2012 8:29am

Tuesday, 7 February, 2012
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Full moon occurs later today at 2055h and if you can see the Moon, the star nearby is Regulus, while off to the left you'll find Mars (that won't be visible until about 10 p.m.).

TODAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, more frequent in the south and east ... rather chilly in the southeast, but mild elsewhere, light winds ... some fog persisting for a while then reforming late afternoon ... highs 6-9 C southeast to 10-12 C west and north coasts.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, cold with some fog and frost in east, but cloudy and becoming rather wet across western counties as rain moves in, lows around -2 to +3 C east, to 4-7 C west.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, mild, periods of rain (5-10 mms likely), foggy over hills, moderate southerly winds developing, highs 9-12 C.

THURSDAY ... Gradual clearing, lows 2-4 C and highs 8-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, lows -1 to +3 C with highs about 9 to 11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Somewhat unsettled, with a slightly colder trend as winds become more northerly.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Mild and dry across the west again, as a cold arctic high sinks further south to cover large parts of the north central U.S. and western Great Lakes. Slightly milder further south and east although not far from normal. In most places, a very quiet and dry pattern for this time of year.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday was sunny and mild, but there was fog near the airport close to the coast, and this created a sharp temperature contrast, from near 6 C there, to 14 C well inland. Would say it was about 9 or 10 here. Clear and chilly now with a bright full moon.

M.T. Cranium · 08-02-2012 8:07am

Wednesday, 8 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Mild with periods of rain, except for a rather chilly start in eastern counties. The rain will spread east together with moderate SE'ly winds at 20-35 mph. Highs 10-12 C in west, 6-9 C by evening in east. Rainfalls 10-15 mms on average.

TONIGHT ... Light rain continuing, foggy, lows 4-7 C. Winds not as strong but veering more to southerly.

THURSDAY ... Mild with showers or outbreaks of light rain, southerly winds about 15-25 mph and highs 9-12 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy, slightly cooler again with lows 3-5 C and highs 8-10 C, just a few isolated showers mainly northern counties.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... The colder influence will return to southeast with slight frosts once again possible where clearing sets in, but otherwise there won't be much change with winds relatively light and skies cloudy, temperatures mostly near normal (highs 8-10 C).

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There are still quite a few different outcomes suggested as substantial amounts of the high pressure currently over Europe end up to the west of Ireland by next week ... this could lead to more of a northerly flow and colder weather, but some indications recently point more to a milder WNW flow from the Atlantic with somewhat higher than normal temperatures returning.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... For this time of year, the weather pattern is extremely quiet over North America. The western third is generally milder than normal and dry. Central regions are generally slightly colder due to sprawling arctic high pressure but temperatures are only a degree or two below average despite that. Eastern regions are in a cloudy, near normal weather pattern, with light snow or sleet breaking out in the Ohio valley, this precip spreading east towards Washington and Philadelphia later today.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday was another sunny, mild day with a high near 10 C. Cloudier tonight although some breaks revealing the full moon at times.

M.T. Cranium · 09-02-2012 8:18am

Thursday, 9 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Periods of rain heavier in the north, 5-10 mms additional there, amounts of trace to 3 mms in the south, relatively mild with some fog, brighter intervals developing in the south coastal districts later ... highs about 10-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Foggy, light rain or drizzle at times, lows 6-8 C but colder air could seep back into the southeast giving a raw feel to the early morning there, lows possibly 3-5 C.

FRIDAY ... If you recall yesterday, Friday could be a re-play with the colder air back into the southeast, raw southeast winds and chilly rain there, highs only 4-7 C, but the rest of the country still in milder moist air with rain or drizzle and highs 8-11 C.

SATURDAY ... Foggy, drizzle, turning colder, temperatures steady 4-6 C. Some brighter intervals could develop by afternoon.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, rather chilly, isolated outbreaks of rain or sleet on hills, lows near 3 C and highs near 7 C.

MONDAY ... Moderate to strong northerly winds developing, cold, mixed showers but mainly rain, lows near 2 C and highs near 7 C. Winds may reach 35-55 mph at times especially in Ulster.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, somewhat milder again, highs near 10 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The set-up appears to be generally northwest to north winds with some milder sectors but colder days in between, temperatures probably staying fairly close to 7 C daytime and 2 C overnight on average. There remains the slight chance of a more wintry outcome.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... One arctic high has dropped south into the central U.S. where it will bring partly cloudy skies and near-freezing temperatures, but this is quite modified compared to the next one dropping south from north-central Canada with -25 C temperatures ... southern prairies will see a sharp drop this morning levelling off near -20 C then down around -30 C tonight. West coast unaffected by this in cloud and rain, trending to mild, dry in the southwest states. Eastern states will see the last of a weak system with wet snow or sleet in places mainly south of NYC, then clearing and near 4 C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... The nice spell of weather ended on Wednesday with rain and highs of 9 C.

M.T. Cranium · 10-02-2012 5:26am

Friday, 10 February, 2012
_______________________________

This early forecast may be edited later, depending on how some computer issues turn out back at home base -- I am posting from a link that will expire at 0500h.

TODAY ... Mostly overcast and foggy with further light rain or drizzle, although a few heavier bursts possible ... 5-10 mms potential on average ... highs 8-11 C with light southeast winds.

TONIGHT ... Dense fog becoming widespread, drizzle or light rain, lows 4-7 C.

SATURDAY ... Turning slightly colder with fog, drizzle, some late afternoon clearing ... highs 7-9 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, with possible frost or fog in parts of inland southeast to start, lows -2 to +3 C, highs 6-9 C.

OUTLOOK ... The most likely outcome seems to be a rather bland and near-normal temperature regime in moderate northwesterly flow around nearby Atlantic high pressure, with highs generally 8-10 C, and either light frosts in a few places or no frost, but there's always a chance of a more northerly turn in this kind of pattern, leading to colder weather.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Turning much colder in the northern states as very cold air spills south from central Canada, forming a weak cold front across parts of the northeast U.S. which will have near normal temperatures in a more modified arctic air mass. Cloudy and mild in parts of the west with rain near the coast, but trending to warm and dry with some sunshine in the southwest.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Cloudy, some rain at times, high near 10 C on Thursday, expecting similar today.

M.T. Cranium · 11-02-2012 8:16am

Saturday, 11 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Foggy or misty, some further rain especially near east and southeast coasts, 5-10 mm potential there, but more of a drizzle for most other districts ... somewhat colder than recent days with highs 7-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Fog, drizzle, mist gradually clearing with some isolated frost and icy sections on rural roads in central and southeast counties, light winds ... lows around 2-4 C on average, possibly as low as -2 C in a few spots.

SUNDAY ... Brighter intervals developing with mist or fog starting to lift or forming restricted areas of low cloud ... highs 7-9 C.

MONDAY ... Frosty to start in some inland locations, some sunshine during the day with northwest winds 20-30 mph, lows near 2 C and highs near 10 C.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY ... Milder again in moderate west to northwest winds of about 20-35 mph ... lows 2-5 C and highs 10-13 C (milder southwest). Some low cloud and drizzle may impact northwest and north coasts.

OUTLOOK ... Mild, breezy, showers or periods of rain becoming more frequent again later in the week ... highs generally 9-12 C.

If travelling to Britain, be aware that most of England remains in the deep freeze for a day or two longer, the frontal zone has stalled in western Wales and eastern Cornwall, and temperatures are as low as -14 C in parts of England this morning.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Finally some more active weather, areas of snow (3-7 cms in most cases) will develop across the northeast states and lower Great Lakes as complex but rather weak systems slowly develop into a powerful storm for Nova Scotia on Sunday. Much colder air will flood south later today dropping temperatures from near 4 C this morning to near -10 C in the northeast states by tonight. Severe cold in the central states especially north of about Oklahoma and Arkansas, into west-central Canada; some overnight lows near -25 C in the northern plains and -35 C in the prairies. Daytime readings well below -15 C. However, mild and drizzly on the west coast, with some hazy sunshine at times in California. A warm air mass is pushing north out of Arizona to form a well organized snowstorm for later Sunday over higher parts of Nevada and Utah.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was very mild with occasional light rain and highs of 12-14 C around this region.

M.T. Cranium · 12-02-2012 8:15am

Sunday, 12 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some brighter intervals developing, patchy light drizzle may spread into parts of Ulster from north before dissipating ... staying relatively mild at about 8-10 C with light northerly to easterly winds.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, some fog or mist patches, lows 3-5 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, moderate west to northwest breezes, some coastal low cloud or fog in northwest at times, highs 9-11 C.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY ... A pleasant spell of dry and possibly sunny weather with low cloud spreading into parts of the west and north at times with some drizzle, lows generally 2-5 C and highs 9-12 C (milder southwest).

FRIDAY to SUNDAY ... More unsettled with showers or periods of rain, staying rather mild with highs generally 9-11 C, although some guidance suggests a slightly colder turn (but these six-day colder outlooks seem to fade out on a regular basis) ... in a more general sense we can say that the blocking episode is ending with a more zonal look to the maps by the end of this week.

The severe cold is also due to end gradually today and with any last gasp tomorrow in England but it will stay rather cold in central Europe for another week and the snow-plagued areas of the Balkans could see more snow.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Northeast states will be cold but mainly dry except for some local lake-effect snows in upstate NY, PA and OH. A storm has intensified near Nova Scotia overnight and is sending very mild air north into Newfoundland (12-14 C highs there) but very cold with blowing snow just a bit further west in NS, NB and PEI. Central regions are due to slowly turn milder as arctic high crests over Iowa and Illinois. Snow is spreading across Utah and parts of Colorado, otherwise the weather picture in western regions is quiet and seasonable to mild.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was cloudy but dry with highs around 9 or 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 13-02-2012 8:22am

Monday, 13 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals more frequent in the south, with some patchy drizzle at times and moderate NW winds 15-30 mph ... highs for most in the range of 8-10 C, possibly a bit higher in the southwest.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, but the low cloud and drizzle will probably remain in place over at least coastal parts of the north and west, lows generally 4-7 C but could fall to 1-3 C in clear intervals inland south and east. Patchy ground frost and valley fog.

TUESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, still the risk of low cloud and drizzle in some coastal areas of Connacht and Ulster, moderate NW winds and highs in the range 9-12 C.

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY ... Little change with dry, pleasant weather, some cloudy intervals, some sunshine, lows 3-5 C and highs 9-12 C. Winds backing from NW to SW during the period, mainly light to moderate.

FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud and showers turning to periods of rain, lows 3-5 C and highs 10-12 C. Winds SW 20-40 mph.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, turning slightly cooler in moderate westerly winds, lows 3-5 C and highs 7-9 C.

SUNDAY ... Some sunshine after a cold and frosty start, lows -1 to +3 C and highs 6-9 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Turning milder again with temperatures likely to reach the 12-14 C range next week.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Cold and dry in most parts of the east as high pressure crests, some local lake-effect snow, mainly light ... areas of snow or sleet spreading north into the central plains ahead of a mild rainy air mass over Texas, which will extend further east during the day. Highs about 15-20 C in Texas, 5-10 C in Oklahoma and 0-3 C further north. Western Canada rather mild with cloud and light scattered snow or freezing drizzle in a few spots. West coast continuing rather mild and cloudy with light rain.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday was cloudy with some light rain at times, and highs near 9 C.

M.T. Cranium · 14-02-2012 8:18am

Tuesday, 14 February, 2012
______________________________________

TODAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals developing mainly for southern counties, with a continuing risk of low cloud and drizzle in some coastal areas of Connacht and Ulster, moderate NW winds and highs in the range 9-12 C, mildest near south coast.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy to overcast, drizzle in a few northern locations, and lows 3-6 C.

WEDNESDAY ... A mixture of sunny and cloudy intervals, more sunshine away from the west and north coasts, and highs 9-12 C. Winds backing from NW to WSW during the day, 15-30 mph.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, mild, lows 2-5 C and highs 8-11 C with moderate southwest winds at times, also some coastal fog or drizzle near Atlantic.

FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud and showers turning to periods of rain, lows 3-5 C and highs 10-12 C. Winds SW 20-40 mph.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, turning slightly cooler in moderate westerly winds, lows 3-5 C and highs 7-9 C. Risk of hail or sleet showers in parts of northwest by afternoon and evening.

SUNDAY ... Some sunshine after a cold and frosty start, lows -1 to +3 C and highs 6-9 C. Cloudy by afternoon in west, with rain following.

MONDAY ... Rain clearing east, partly cloudy and mild. Lows 4-7 C and highs 9-12 C.

OUTLOOK ... Relatively mild for most of next week, a few more showery intervals but some sunshine also, highs mainly in the 10-13 C range.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Dry if cloudy and near normal temperatures east coast, but rain or sleet moving through Ohio valley, extensive areas of light snow further north and west in the western Great Lakes and central plains states, showers and some thunderstorms moving across the deep South into the southeast by tonight. While not overly warm, highs 12-15 C in these regions to 20s near Gulf coast. The west remains rather bland in a mainly dry northwesterly flow (similar pattern to Ireland's current weather) and the Canadian prairies are in the milder sector of a rather weak low well north of populated areas, but temperatures just slightly above freezing rather than a full-scale chinook.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday cleared during the morning and it was rather pleasant in the sunshine at 9-10 C. Cloud has moved back in since sunset.

Villain · 15-02-2012 2:51pm

I'll post mine from iwo.ie to fill the gap

Weather Forecast 15/2/12

WEDNESDAY:
Mainly dry but cloudy and breezy for the rest of the day with temps of 8c to 11c. Tonight will dry but cool with temps of 2c to 6c and a risk of some patches of FOG.

THURSDAY:
A band of rain will move into the Northwest about 7am and showers will then push in throughout the day from the West with some light rain in most areas with the South the only area that looks to remain dry. Temps will be 7c to 11c. Thursday will see more light rain this time in the Southern half of the country, temps will be 3c to 5c in Northern areas but 5c to 9c elsewhere.

FRIDAY:
A damp day with light rain in most areas with temps of 5c to 10c coldest in the North.

FRIDAY NIGHT:
A band of heavy rain will approach the West about 10pm and push across the country giving some heavy falls of rain especially in South Kerry with up to 20mm possible. Temps will start off 6c to 10c but fall as the front clears to about 1c to 5c

SATURDAY:
Feeling much colder everywhere as the rain clears the Southeast by about 9am, temps will start off 1c to 4c but slowly rise to 4c to 7c. Another band of rain will arrive in the North during the morning falling as sleet and snow on hills and even at lower levels for a while. The showers will make it further south but will be mainly rain and sleet with some snow on higher ground. More details as we get closer to the time.

SATURDAY NIGHT:
Rain and sleet will clear and temps will fall again after sunset with Frost in many places as temps get down to -2c away from coasts causing some icy conditions for a while.

SUNDAY:
A cold and icy start with temps of 0c to 3c before climbing to 5c to 8c in the afternoon, a mainly dry day with some sunny spells. A risk of some frost again early on Sunday night before temps rise later in the night as a band of rain arrives from the Southwest.

OUTLOOK:
Next weeks looks fairly wet but unsettled with Monday and Tuesday looking quite wet at this stage.

From http://www.iwo.ie/2012/02/15/weather-forecast-15212/

Joe Public · 15-02-2012 4:32pm

I suppose there is no harm in dropping MTC's forecast following his over romantic evening/night

Wednesday, 15 February, 2012
____________________________________

TODAY ... Partly cloudy to overcast with northwest winds backing to westerly at 15-30 mph ... some light rain or drizzle near northwest coasts, otherwise mainly dry ... highs 9-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, some cloud in north and west with patchy light rain outer coasts, lows in range 2-5 C southeast, to 5-7 C northwest.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, mild, highs 8-11 C with moderate southwest winds at times, also some coastal fog or drizzle near Atlantic.

FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud and showers turning to periods of rain, lows 3-5 C and highs 10-12 C. Winds SW 20-40 mph. Rain becoming heavy at times by evening, potential for 10-20 mms.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, turning slightly cooler in moderate westerly winds, lows 3-5 C and highs 7-9 C. Risk of hail or sleet showers in parts of northwest by afternoon and evening.

SUNDAY ... Some sunshine after a cold and frosty start, lows -1 to +3 C and highs 6-9 C. Cloudy by afternoon in west, with rain following.

MONDAY ... Rain clearing east, partly cloudy and mild. Lows 4-7 C and highs 9-12 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, breezy, lows 3-6 C and highs 8-11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Relatively mild for most of next week, a few more showery intervals but some sunshine also, highs mainly in the 10-13 C range. Indications of a colder turn as the month ends.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... A rather weak but sprawling disturbance in the central states is spreading outbreaks of rain and a few thunderstorms to the Ohio valley and this will edge closer to the northeast states by evening; highs generally 8-12 C. The southeast will be warm and humid with some outbreaks of heavy if not severe thunderstorms, highs 18-22 C. .... The upper Midwest continues rather chilly with sleet or wet snow in places, temperatures near 1-3 C. Western regions mainly clear to partly cloudy and near normal, rather warm in the southwest.

MY LOCAL WEATHER (Vancouver, B.C.) ... Morning showers cleared, then sunshine returned by afternoon. Somewhat cooler on Tuesday with highs near 8 C.

M.T. Cranium · 15-02-2012 8:06pm

My apologies, today's forecast did not appear here for reasons unknown. I would not have noticed this except that I spotted posts on the thread as I came in this evening (your time). Earlier today at the usual time, the forecast was typed up, on my screen and copied for later use elsewhere, and I was sure it had been posted to boards before I went off to a few other web destinations, but I guess what happened was that I pressed the wrong option from my reply or perhaps no option (I've done this so many times now that it is more or less sub-conscious activity) and it went into cyber-oblivion rather than into the thread.

I don't think I have done that here before, but I'm sure we all do this once in a while especially when you have more than one window open on your taskbar.

As Joe Public has demonstrated, one of the destinations of the forecast is the "IWO forum" which continues to exist on-line despite the termination of activity on the former IWO website (that was discussed here when it happened last autumn). Recently, we began building up the dormant IWO forum that had been running as a part of that larger website. My forecasts now appear there each day shortly after they appear here. As to the existence of a second, independent IWO website, that is not really an issue for me at this distance, but I would ask that boards weather forum members address any questions about it to the parties at their respective websites and not here, especially not in this thread. Thanks. I would advise moderators to direct such chat or inquiries directly to source as well, it just isn't an issue that needs to involve boards.ie or its weather forum beyond the simple announcement of available services or features FYI.

M.T. Cranium · 16-02-2012 7:47am

Thursday, 16 February, 2012
___________________________________

My apologies to any readers who dropped in yesterday and found no forecast. There was a forecast but somehow it didn't arrive here. Check the more detailed discussion in previous post(s) if you want to read more about this. I will make sure this forecast gets to the boards thread and away from my screen.

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, any brief sunny intervals would be most likely near the south coast this morning ... some light rain or drizzle moving south but possibly not holding together after passing the halfway point, so rainfalls likely 1-3 mms north and trace to 2 mms south. Highs today 10-12 C in moderate westerly backing to southwesterly winds 20-35 mph.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with some clear intervals, a little leftover drizzle in places near the northwest coast and mild with lows 5-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, becoming rather windy with periods of rain heavier by evening into the overnight in the north, highs 10-12 C and winds SW 25-45 mph. Rainfalls by Saturday morning about 5-15 mms.

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy, turning colder in stages, hail showers rather frequent at first, then mixed wintry showers developing later and persisting overnight in some parts of the north. Temperatures steady 5-7 C then falling off to about 2-4 C late afternoon. Winds veering to NW 30-50 mph adding a chill.

SUNDAY ... Mixed wintry showers over some parts of the north early morning but otherwise clear intervals and quite cold despite a steady northwest wind in most places ... a few sheltered places well inland could see frost and lows of -2 C but otherwise lows 1-3 C ... sunny intervals mid-day, still quite cold as temperatures struggle up towards 5-7 C. Cloudy with rain or sleet arriving late, temperatures steady 4-6 C.

MONDAY ... Rain ending during the morning, turning considerably milder in strong southwest winds. Highs 10-13 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, mild, windy, showers ... lows 3-5 C and highs about 11-13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Some very mild weather appears to be heading in later next week and it could reach 15 C in some places well inland in a southwesterly flow.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Cloudy with rain in many eastern states, not particularly heavy in most cases, a little milder than average (8-13 C). This rain will start as sleet or freezing rain in Michigan and southern Ontario. The western and central regions continue to have cloudy, rather bland weather that is near normal in most cases for daytime temperatures although milder than average at night. A more active pattern seems likely to develop over the weekend.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Cloudy and about 8 C, light rain at times this evening.

M.T. Cranium · 17-02-2012 7:41am

Friday, 17 February, 2012
________________________________

ALERT for wintry showers or local snowfalls in higher parts of northwest on Saturday, and also for widespread frost and icy roads overnight into Sunday morning.

TODAY ... Continued rather mild and breezy with outbreaks of light rain or drizzle, strengthening southwest winds, highs 10-12 C. By this evening, winds SW 30-50 mph, some squally showers developing.

TONIGHT ... Showers or periods of rain, some squally showers with hail and (by sunrise in north) thunder ... temperatures generally 5-8 C but falling to about 2-4 C around sunrise in north. Winds veering SW to W 30-50 mph.

SATURDAY ... Windy and cold, some brighter intervals following a squally cold front with hail showers, but this clearing very brief in the north as persistent wintry showers develop with some potential for 3-5 cm snowfalls mostly on higher terrain ... hail showers with thunder may redevelop widely and become rather severe in places, otherwise winds WNW 30-50 mph. Temperatures will stay in the range of 3-6 C for most of the day but could be lower at times across the north.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... Windy near coasts with frequent wintry showers or snow flurries across parts of the north, but less windy inland with more of a clearing trend and some scattered frost leading to icy roads, lows inland in the range -4 to -1 C, in coastal north and west -1 to +2 C.

SUNDAY ... There could still be some wintry showers in parts of the north but variable cloud further south with some sunny intervals, winds backing to westerly 20-40 mph, and slightly milder in the south at least (highs 5-8 C) ... sleet may develop ahead of a warm front late in the day.

MONDAY ... Overnight sleet turning to rain, windy and milder ... morning temperatures about 4-6 C following a midnight frost, but then milder during the day, highs 10-12 C. Winds becoming SSW 30-50 mph.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, milder, showers ... lows 3-5 C and highs 11-13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... This may be a very mild day especially away from the west coast which could stay overcast and foggy in places (10-12 C there, but as high as 13-15 C further east). Rain may be intermittent in the north but some sun could break through in the south and east.

OUTLOOK ... Staying quite mild despite a weak cold front later in the week, and some settled intervals with just light showers if any further rain.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Eastern states will see scattered light rain and some fog at times, highs about 10-12 C. Near normal and cloudy further west, periods of rain near the west coast with inland snowfalls, generally a rather non-descript pattern, but attention is mainly shifting to potential snowstorm in the Washington DC region late Sunday, evolving from an area of cloud and scattered showers now in south Texas. Watch for updates, potentially 15-25 cms of snow in some parts of the region although it looks set to miss New England to the south.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday was a cloudy and showery day with highs around 8 C.

M.T. Cranium · 18-02-2012 8:25am

Saturday, 18 February, 2012
__________________________________

ALERTS for wintry showers including some accumulating snows mostly on higher parts of Ulster and inland Connacht, potential for 3-7 cms locally, more widespread hail showers, and generally slippery or at times icy roads, setting in before mid-day but peaking this afternoon and evening ... also for more general frost and icy roads in many regions overnight.

Notes on developing situation: Much colder air is poised to rush south across Ireland later this morning but the front now largely through southern counties is well ahead of the coldest air, and a reinforcing secondary front or series of troughs will likely develop and follow rapidly south. These might become a focus for locally intense hail showers by later this morning. The coldest air will sweep across Ulster and may only give a glancing blow further west and especially south. Meanwhile, the approach of warmer air later Sunday will also be in stages and early portions of this transition could be briefly wintry before it warms sufficiently to turn all precipitation back to rain. Meanwhile, the air mass coming in by mid-week looks particularly mild and should easily boost temperatures into the mid-teens.

FORECASTS:

TODAY ... Windy and cold (very cold Ulster), some brighter intervals following a squally cold front with hail showers, but this clearing very brief in the north as persistent wintry showers develop with some potential for 3-7 cm snowfalls mostly on higher terrain ... hail showers with thunder may redevelop widely and become rather severe in places, otherwise winds WNW 30-50 mph. Temperatures will stay in the range of 4-7 C for most of the day but could be lower at times (1-4 C) across the north by afternoon.

TONIGHT ... Windy near coasts with frequent wintry showers or snow flurries across parts of the north, some additional snow accumulation in higher parts of Ulster, traces likely elsewhere, but also less windy inland with more of a clearing trend and some scattered frost leading to icy roads, lows inland in the range -4 to -1 C, while in coastal north and west -1 to +2 C.

SUNDAY ... There could still be some wintry showers in parts of the north but variable cloud further south with some sunny intervals, winds backing to westerly 20-40 mph, and slightly milder in the south at least (highs 5-8 C) ... sleet may develop ahead of a warm front late in the day.

MONDAY ... Overnight sleet turning to rain, windy and milder ... morning temperatures about 4-6 C following a midnight frost, but then milder during the day, highs 10-12 C. Winds becoming SSW 30-50 mph.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, milder, showers ... lows 3-5 C and highs 11-13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... This may be a very mild day especially away from the west coast which could stay overcast and foggy in places (10-12 C there, but as high as 13-15 C further east). Rain may be intermittent in the north but some sun could break through in the south and east. Parts of the Wicklow and south Dublin coasts could see even milder temperatures due to a downsloping effect. Moderate WSW winds 20-35 mph.

THURSDAY ... Continuing very mild, showers heavier in north, Winds SW veering to W 20-40 mph. Lows near 8 C and highs near 13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Staying quite mild despite a weak cold front early Friday, with some settled intervals with just light showers if any further rain into the following weekend. This could then be followed by waves of somewhat colder air from more of a west-northwest source as March begins.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Variable cloud and mild in most of the east, ahead of a developing storm in the south-central states. This will be almost all rain at first, but as it sucks in some colder air from the Great Lakes region on Sunday, its rain shield could mix with sleet then snow especially in higher parts of the mid-Atlantic states. Meanwhile, on the west coast, another storm has moved inland with bursts of heavy rain, and now it is turning quite a bit colder, dropping the snow line well down the coastal ranges so that the Saturday daytime weather might become sleety or feature mixed showers in gusty west winds. Further inland the fronts weaken rapidly but some scattered outbreaks of snow are likely in western Canada and the northwest states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was cloudy with afternoon and evening rain, heavy at times, with gusty SE to S winds at 30-50 mph. Expecting this rain to become more of a sleety mix by morning. The high earlier was about 7 deg C but will be closer to 3-4 C on Saturday.

M.T. Cranium · 19-02-2012 8:17am

Sunday, 19 February, 2012
_______________________________

TODAY ... Some sunny intervals, a few widely scattered showers of hail or rain (snow remains possible in higher parts of Ulster) ... moderate westerly winds backing to southwest later, with increasing cloud especially for Connacht and west Ulster ... highs 6-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals across the south, cloudy north with light rain after midnight, possibly beginning as sleet. Rather cold where clear, lows -1 to +3 C although milder towards dawn, but temperatures in the range of 2 to 5 C where cloudy.

MONDAY ... Intervals of light rain, heavier at times in the northwest later, turning milder in stages, winds SW 20-40 mph, highs 9-11 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy, occasional rain, mild, moderate SW winds, lows of 3-6 C and highs 10-12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Some heavier rain may affect west and north, variable cloud elsewhere and turning even milder, lows 7-10 C and highs 12-15 C. Winds generally SSW 20-40 mph.

THURSDAY ... Very mild, less frequent showers and remaining dry and possibly sunny at times in parts of south and east ... lows 7-10 C and highs generally 12-15 C potentially 16 C around Dublin, Wicklow.

FRIDAY ... Continued very mild, increasing cloud, some light rain later. Lows of 6-9 C and highs 11-14 C.

OUTLOOK ... Weekend should remain milder than average even if temperatures drop a couple of degrees from the very mild spell, and some sunshine may redevelop after a rather weak front passes some time early Saturday. Extended forecast calls for mild and breezy conditions to transition slowly to more seasonable conditions.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... A rather extensive rainstorm in the southeast is about to interact with somewhat colder air sitting over the northeast U.S. ... this may turn rain to sleet, ice pellets or even snow depending on elevation mostly, in the Virginias, Maryland, North Carolina and possibly southern PA. Delaware and New Jersey likely to remain in rain, and just cloud further north with highs 2-5 C. The warm sector of this storm will be over Florida briefly this morning with severe storms and a much colder trend by afternoon. The central states are in a weak ridge of high pressure and near normal temperatures with mostly cloudy skies, then another weak storm is developing today in west Texas and southeast Colorado, with some outbreaks of rain or sleet. Southwest remains warm and dry, with chilly unsettled conditions further north in western regions.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Periods of rain, sleet and even snow at times on Saturday, clearing late afternoon, chilly. High of about 4 C.

Villain · 20-02-2012 12:30am

Weather Forecast 20/2/12

MONDAY:
The cold weather is quickly been replaced by mild weather with temps rising to 10c in most places by midday, there will also be rain in the Northern half of the country but elsewhere should escape with cloud and just some light drizzle. Monday night will be mild with temps of 5c to 8c with rain persisting in northern areas.

TUESDAY:
A mild day with temps of 10c to 13c, a dry start to the day but rain will arrive in the West by midday and cross the country through the evening.

WEDNESDAY:
A wet day with heavy rain arriving in the West and becoming widespread it will be even milder with temps of 10c to 14c.

THURSDAY:
A great day with sunny spells in many places and temps up to an amazing 16c!

FRIDAY:
A cloudy damp day but still pretty mild with temps of 10c to 13c.

WEEKEND:
Currently looks a little cooler Saturday but mainly dry with Sunday milder but a risk of rain.
Warmest temps for February:

The warmest temperature ever recorded in Ireland in February was 18.1c in 1891 on the 23rd at the Phoenix Park Dublin. The second highest was 16.8c on the 28th in 1960 at Valentia Kerry.

The warmest temperature recorded at the Kilkenny station (closed 2008) was 15.9c on the 13th in 2008, this station was replaced by Oak Park Carlow and this record could be matched on Thursday.

The record for Birr which closed in 2009 was 15.6c on the 29th in 1920, this station was replaced by Gurteen Co. Tipperary and this record could certainly also be matched Thursday.

From http://www.iwo.ie/2012/02/19/weather-forecast-20212/

M.T. Cranium · 20-02-2012 8:19am

Monday, 20 February, 2012
_________________________________

TODAY ... Breezy and milder with outbreaks of rain mostly in northern two-thirds of the country, amounts 3-7 mms there and trace to 3 mms south ... some brighter intervals mainly south coast, highs 9-12 C and winds becoming SW 25-40 mph.

TONIGHT ... A few lingering showers, mild, fog developing especially higher terrain north and west ... lows 5-8 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud at first, breezy, winds SW 20-35 mph, then periods of rain developing, a further 5-10 mms for many places, mild and humid with highs 10-13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Early morning heavy rain or showers, becoming more confined to north by mid-day, brighter intervals developing inland south and east, very mild. Lows 8-11 C and highs 12-15 C. Winds generally SW 20-35 mph.

THURSDAY ... Possibly even milder with more sun breaking through, not as breezy either, lows 8-11 C and highs 13-16 C (probably warmest near east coast partly because of a downsloping effect there).

FRIDAY ... Continued very mild, some sunshine at times, increasing cloud later, showers developing ... lows 8-10 C and highs 11-14 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Early showers Saturday should clear to some sunshine, slightly cooler especially at night ... lows generally 3-6 C and highs in the 9-13 C range .... further outlook involves a renewed "battle of the model runs" with some suggestions from GFS of a much colder turn including a return to easterly winds, but ECM staying quite mild through the following week.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Some sleet and snow developed as expected around Virginia and this will leave a covering on higher terrain overnight before clearing Monday. The air mass is not very chilly to the north and with sunshine could easily melt this snow rapidly with highs 7-10 C in many parts of the northeast, trending to 3-6 C in the Great Lakes. Weak disturbances further west are spreading cloud into the plains states so any clearing around Chicago and south will be brief before more sleet or rain arrives later and into tomorrow. Fairly cool but benign weather on the west coast.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday was mostly cloudy with just a little drizzle at times, rather chilly at about 6-7 C.

M.T. Cranium · 21-02-2012 8:24am

Tuesday, 21 February, 2012
__________________________________

TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals in the south, occasional showers but steady rain later in west and north, 5-10 mms amounts expected, winds SW 20-35 mph and highs 10-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, periods of rain, very mild, foggy over higher terrain in north ... winds steady SW 15-30 mph, lows 8-11 C.

WEDNESDAY ... The overnight and early morning heavy rain or showers will become more confined to north by mid-day, brighter intervals developing inland south and east, very mild with highs 12-15 C. Winds generally SW 20-35 mph.

THURSDAY ... Continued very mild with more sun breaking through, not as breezy either, lows 8-11 C and highs 13-16 C (probably warmest near east coast partly because of a downsloping effect there, any showers likely to be mainly in far north and northwest, and brief).

FRIDAY ... Continued very mild, some sunshine at times during the morning and mid-day, but with increasing cloud later, showers developing ... lows 8-10 C and highs 11-14 C.

SATURDAY ... Morning showers, clearing and somewhat cooler, morning lows around 3-6 C and highs 9-12 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, a somewhat frosty start in a few inland locations, lows -1 to +5 C, and highs 7-11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rain may spread in overnight into Monday, then next week is looking rather similar to this week with milder weather mid to late week (the GFS dalliance with a colder easterly has been largely suppressed).

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... In general, a rather bland and mild pattern for this time of year ... one weak disturbance is drifting east across the western Great Lakes and Ohio valley towards the northeast states, bringing a lot of cloud and sporadic drizzly rain (sleet higher elevations), highs for the larger cities around 10-12 C. Large areas of cloud cover most central regions with light winds and near normal temperatures, while another weak storm is coming ashore on the west coast with light rain and moderate SW'ly winds.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday was yet another forgettable somewhat mild and showery day with a high of about 8 C. Heavy snow has fallen recently in the mountains although we get very few views of that in the low overcast.

M.T. Cranium · 22-02-2012 8:23am

Wednesday, 22 February, 2012
___________________________________

TODAY ... Rain easing soon, with showery remnants continuing but also a partial clearance to brighter and in some places sunny intervals, although sea fog is likely to stream inland near the west and south coasts in a steady southwest wind of 20-35 mph. Highs 12-14 C west and near south coast, to 14-16 C inland and east, so feeling very warm especially if any sunshine develops. Fog could be dense near outer coasts and over western, southern marine regions (the air mass dew point of 12 C is actually higher than the sea's surface temperature, which is rare for February).

TONIGHT ... Fog or mist with some drizzle, more prevalent near south and west coasts, but some clear intervals further inland and east, very mild with a southwest breeze of 15-25 mph ... lows 9-12 C.

THURSDSAY ... Except for some onshore low cloud, fog and drizzle most places should have a bright and at times sunny and warm day with highs reaching 14-17 C, warmest likely inland southeast and parts of east coast from Dublin south. Some dense fog possible near west, south coasts.

FRIDAY ... Early morning drizzle or light rain, followed by variable cloud, some sunny breaks, continued very mild although not quite as warm, lows 7-10 C and highs 12-14 C. Not as breezy in a westerly flow 15-25 mph falling off to light by evening.

SATURDAY ... Some patchy fog, drizzle may continue overnight in north, but otherwise somewhat cooler with clear intervals developing, lows 3-6 C, then a reasonably dry and mild day with highs 8-11 C, possibly some good sunny intervals in east and inland southeast. Winds falling off to light.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud but some sunshine at first, then outbreaks of rain by late afternoon west, evening east, mild after a rather chilly start. Lows 2-5 C with slight risk of isolated frost, then highs 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Similar to today, morning rain and mild with fog, then partial clearing and warmer again, lows 7-10 C and highs 12-16 C.

OUTLOOK ... Very mild weather seems likely to persist for about a week and with more of a southerly flow than the current southwesterly, which could produce a somewhat different pattern for the warmth inland (centered further inland and including parts of the west). However in general all the weather changes from now to end of next week could seem rather slight and a generally mild to warm theme will prevail (some of the cooler nights will only briefly touch lower temperatures well before most people begin their day).

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The patterns remain bland and weak for this time of year. Scattered showers in the northeast U.S. and sleet or wet snow a little further north into eastern Canada, with this system heading for the Maritimes later, followed by partial clearing, highs around 8-11 C coast to 2-5 C further inland. Southeast generally warm and partly cloudy, highs well into 18-21 C range. A more active system is developing over the plains states but will take most of today to produce much more than cloud, as it spreads slowly east, with a southerly flow and highs of 12-15 C. West remains rather chilly with outbreaks of light rain or mountain snow.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday was a cloudy day again with some rain at times, high near 8 C.

M.T. Cranium · 23-02-2012 8:12am

Thursday, 23 February, 2012
___________________________________

TODAY ... Except for some onshore low cloud, fog and drizzle near Atlantic coasts, most places should have a bright and at times sunny and warm day with highs reaching 14-17 C, warmest likely inland southeast and parts of east coast from Dublin south. Some dense fog possible near west, south coasts. Winds WSW 15-25 mph but relatively light inland by afternoon. There is an outside chance of a new record high for the month of February (which is now 18.3 C).

TONIGHT ... Becoming overcast with some fog or mist, followed by early morning drizzle or light rain, lows 7-10 C except 4-7 C inland north.

FRIDAY ... Gradual clearing of low cloud, fog and mist with some light rain lingering in south to mid-day, mild but not quite as warm as today, highs of 12-14 C. Not as breezy in a westerly flow 15-25 mph falling off to light by evening. Foggy again by evening in many places.

SATURDAY ... Some patchy fog, drizzle may continue overnight in north, but otherwise somewhat cooler with clear intervals developing, lows 3-6 C, then a reasonably dry and mild day with highs 8-11 C, possibly some good sunny intervals in east and inland southeast. Winds falling off to light.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud but some sunshine at first, then outbreaks of rain by late afternoon west, evening east, mild after a rather chilly period well before dawn (Saturday evening to around midnight). Lows 2-5 C with slight risk of isolated frost, then highs 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Overnight and early morning rain and mild with fog, then partial clearing and warmer again, lows 7-10 C and highs 12-16 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers, very mild, lows 5-8 C and highs of 12-15 C.

OUTLOOK ... Very mild but becoming more unsettled late in the week, also quite breezy around Friday ... highs continuing to push well into the mid-teens until about Saturday 3rd, then a gradual change to more seasonable Atlantic flow from the west.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... A weak disturbance moving through the northeast will bring mild conditions, cloud and some light rain (wet snow near Canadian border) ... very mild to warm across a large part of the southeast and central states in the developing southerly flow of a storm taking shape in Nebraska, which will spread some rain and (to north of Iowa to Wisconsin) snow towards the Great Lakes. Highs will range from 22 C near Gulf coast to 15 C central plains to 3 C northern plains. Somewhat colder air is seeping south across the Canadian prairies, temperatures near -4 C with outbreaks of light snow. Another weak disturbance has moved inland near Vancouver and will bring a few snow showers to the Rockies, but otherwise there is a clearing trend for most of the far west with seasonable temperatures.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Long sunny intervals on Wednesday but also a few sharp localized showers with hail, highs around 7 C. Clear again by evening with a nice view of rapidly converging Venus and Jupiter. Check this out if you have clear skies on Thursday evening, the crescent new moon should be fairly close to Venus.

M.T. Cranium · 24-02-2012 9:06am

Friday, 24 February, 2012
_______________________________

Astronomy note -- with any clear skies over the next few days, watch for conjunctions of the crescent new moon with Venus (Saturday evening) and Jupiter (Sunday evening). This sight will be visible in the southwest for about two or three hours after sunset.

TODAY ... Gradual clearing of low cloud, fog and mist with some light rain lingering in south to mid-day or longer, mild but not quite as warm as yesterday, highs of 12-14 C for most, 9-11 C northwest counties. Some lingering fog and low cloud in northern coastal districts as well, the best chance for brighter or clearing intervals would be central and eastern counties. Not as breezy in a westerly flow 15-25 mph falling off to light by evening. Foggy again by evening in many places.

TONIGHT ... Some widespread fog developing and rather chilly in comparison to recent nights, some clear intervals east and central counties, isolated risk of frost in rural areas there, lows generally 3-7 C but could reach -1 C in a few frost hollows. Frost likely to dissipate rather quickly around 0800h.

SATURDAY ... Fog gradually clearing away except near some outer coasts west and south, for most a reasonably dry and mild day with highs 8-11 C, possibly some good sunny intervals in east and inland southeast. Winds falling off to light.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... A clear night at first with increasing cloud, lowest temperatures in the evening or around midnight when lows 2-5 C then rising towards dawn 5-8 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud but some sunshine at first, then outbreaks of rain by late afternoon west, evening east, milder with highs 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Overnight and early morning rain and mild with fog, then partial clearing and warmer again, lows 7-10 C and highs 12-16 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers, very mild, lows 5-8 C and highs of 12-16 C.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY ... Continued rather mild, cloudy with outbreaks of light rain more frequent in west towards end of the week, highs generally in the 9-12 C range, lows in the range of 3-7 C colder in northeast.

OUTLOOK ... March in general may turn out "backward" in that the temperature may show a flat or downward trrend in opposition to the normal gradual rise through the month. Eventually a colder blocking pattern may develop and we may see a snowfall event later in the month, with the same pattern likely in April, warm to start and cooler mid to late month.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Snow is developing from the western Great Lakes towards southern Ontario and will spread into Quebec and northern New York state, northern and central New England, with 5-15 cms for most in this zone (highs 0-2 C). Mixing with freezing rain near the southern boundary of the zone and a mild showery day further south, highs to 15 C in New York City and Boston, and partly cloudy and warm for Philadelphia and Washington DC, highs 20-25 C, colder by evening in all cases. Saturday in all these regions will become windy and much colder (highs or mid-day temperatures in the -5 to +2 C range, strong west to northwest winds). ... This colder air is beginning to push south across the Midwest but will intensify rapidly tonight, so these regions will be cloudy with flurries and highs near 2 C today, sharply colder tonight and tomorrow. Cool and dry for Texas and Oklahoma, trending to warm and dry in the southwest states, highs 10-15 C east to 20-25 C west in that region, similar on Saturday but warming up in Texas. Meanwhile, another storm is developing today over British Columbia, spreading to Alberta later and overnight, and to the Canadian prairies and U.S. northern plains states on Saturday. While today's precip will be mixed rain and snow by elevation, by tomorrow this storm becomes a blizzard-like snowstorm for the prairies and plains states with steadily falling temperatures and 15-25 cms of snow on strong east winds. Highs today 2-6 C in this zone, tomorrow similar in B.C. but falling to -7 C or lower further east of the Rockies.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday was a mostly dry but cloudy day, but sleety rain has arrived since sunset. Highs were around 7 C, currently 3 C, snow falling at slightly higher elevations.

M.T. Cranium · 25-02-2012 8:25am

Saturday, 25 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Fog and some isolated frost (central counties) gradually clearing away except near some outer coasts west and south, for most a reasonably dry and mild day with highs 8-11 C, possibly some good sunny intervals in east and inland southeast. Winds falling off to light.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... A clear night at first (check out Venus near crescent moon) with increasing cloud after midnight, lowest temperatures in the evening or around midnight when lows 2-5 C then rising towards dawn 5-8 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud but some sunshine at first in southeast, then outbreaks of rain by mid-day or afternoon west, afternoon or evening east, milder with highs 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Overnight and early morning rain and mild with fog, then partial clearing and warmer again, lows 7-10 C and highs 12-16 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers, very mild, lows 5-8 C and highs of 12-16 C.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY ... Continued rather mild, cloudy with outbreaks of light rain more frequent in west towards end of the week, highs generally in the 9-12 C range, lows in the range of 3-7 C colder in northeast.

OUTLOOK ... Somewhat cooler in a westerly flow by about the weekend of 3-4 March into the first days of the following week, showery, temperatures near normal. March in general may turn out "backward" in that the temperature may show a flat or downward trrend in opposition to the normal gradual rise through the month. Eventually a colder blocking pattern may develop and we may see a snowfall event later in the month, with the same pattern likely in April, warm to start and cooler mid to late month.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Snow across northern New England and Quebec early today will move into the Maritime provinces of eastern Canada although Nova Scotia and southeast Newfoundland will stay on the milder side of this storm with light rain. Snowfalls of 20-35 cms are likely ... the northeast U.S. and Great Lakes will be in a cold, windy regime with locally heavy snow squalls but some sunshine elsewhere, highs below freezing. Sunshine in the western Great Lakes and parts of the Midwest, but meanwhile, another storm is developing this morning over the British Columbia Rockies, spreading to Alberta and northern Idaho, Montana later and overnight, and to the Canadian prairies and U.S. northern plains states on Saturday. This storm eventually becomes a blizzard-like snowstorm for the prairies and plains states with steadily falling temperatures and 15-25 cms of snow on strong east winds. Highs today 2-6 C in this zone, tomorrow similar in B.C. but falling to -7 C or lower further east of the Rockies. Another heavy snowfall is likely in the northern plains on Tuesday from a storm that will form late today in Utah along the cold front of the current storm. South of that, as golf viewers will notice from the World Match Play event, it's rather warm in the desert southwest region.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was a cold and wet day with rain turning to sleet and heavy wet snow at times during the morning, with a slushy 2-3 cms accumulation, and temperatures steady around 2-3 C. It is still drizzly and cold at this late hour with snow falling on nearby hills.

M.T. Cranium · 26-02-2012 9:06am

Sunday, 26 February, 2012
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TODAY ... Hazy and mild with some sunshine at times in eastern, central counties ... drizzle or light rain edging onto the Atlantic coasts and some further distance east but may remain dry in east ... highs 11-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, light rain, 2-5 mms on average ... fog and mist developing ... lows 7-10 C.

MONDAY ... Drizzle or light rain clearing for most, but persistent in parts of Connacht and west Ulster ... becoming very mild where sunshine develops in east, south ... highs 10-13 C for most, but 14-16 C possible.

TUESDAY ... Hazy sunshine at times, very mild, except for outer west coast and south coast, where low cloud fog and drizzle may be persistent ... lows of 7-10 C and highs 11-14 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Little change, mild with some sunshine, widespread morning fog may be persistent in some coastal districts, lows 5-8 C and highs 11-14 C.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud, mild, becoming windy by Friday with periods of rain, strong southerly winds affecting west coast, south and central counties. Highs both days around 11 C. Lows near 4 C Thursday and near 7 C on Friday. About 20-30 mms rain possible.

OUTLOOK ... The weekend may become somewhat cooler in a showery west to northwest flow. Highs will be around 9 C.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Snow and blowing snow (10-20 cms) will move across the northern plains states and out of much of western Canada, which will then become clear and cold, highs generally -7 to -12 C. Further south, very mild in the warm sector of this storm for the central plains states, highs 15-18 C to near 25 C in Texas and west into the desert southwest. Showery in Nevada as a new storm develops along the cold front. Cloudy with sunny intervals west coast, chilly, mountain snow showers.

Meanwhile, the eastern third of the U.S. and most of Ontario and Quebec will be dry and rather chilly to start, becoming milder by afternoon, in a developing milder southwest flow. Highs eventually 5-10 C for most, trending to about 15-18 C in Florida. Yesterday's New Brunswick storm is now crossing Newfoundland and will bring 10-20 cms snow to north, rain to southeast there. Highs in the southeast near 5 C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was very windy and cold, with gradually clearing skies. The high was about 5 C but it felt much colder in NW winds gusting at times to near 50 mph. We had a nice view of the Moon near Venus about 7 p.m. before cloud rolled in again. You could look for the Moon near Jupiter this evening if skies are clear.

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