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

M.T. Cranium · 28-10-2016 7:28am

Friday, 28 October, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, some isolated areas of light rain near northwest coast, highs 14-17 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, some fog or mist, patchy drizzle, lows 8-11 C.

SATURDAY ... Morning fog, partly cloudy by mid-day, mild. Highs 14-17 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy and very mild, some light rain near west coast, lows 7-10 and highs 14-17 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, slight risk of showers in southwest mainly, turning a little cooler in northeast breezes across Ulster and north Connacht. Highs for most will remain 13-15 C but could be closer to 11 C in the north.

TUESDAY ... Sunny intervals, colder in northerly breezes 30-50 km/hr, lows 2 to 6 C and highs about 9 to 12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Morning fog and frost, some sunshine during the day, rather cold. Lows -1 to +3 C and highs 7-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slightly milder again later in the week, light rain, then turning colder around the weekend of 5-6 November.

My local weather on Thursday was overcast with occasional light rain, highs near 13 C. The heavy rain in eastern regions (snow over hills) moved to the east coast and it was quite a wet day in New York City. A surge of very warm air for late October is moving out of the desert southwest region towards the central plains states where highs may reach 32 C in places today and over the weekend.

M.T. Cranium · 29-10-2016 6:59am

Saturday, 29 October, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Morning fog patches, then partly cloudy by mid-day, mild. Rain is possible by afternoon near outer Atlantic coasts but most places should enjoy a dry day. Highs 14-17 C.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, fog or mist, lows 7-11 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy and very mild, some light rain near west coast, highs 14-17 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, slight risk of showers in southwest mainly, turning a little cooler in northeast breezes across Ulster and north Connacht. Highs for most will remain 13-15 C but could be closer to 11 C in the north. Southeast breezes will increase during the day to 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Sunny intervals, isolated showers, colder in northerly breezes 30-50 km/hr, lows 2 to 6 C and highs about 9 to 12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Morning fog and frost, some sunshine during the day, rather cold. Lows -1 to +3 C and highs 7-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slightly milder again later in the week, light rain developing, then turning colder around the weekend of 5-6 November. Current models are once again emphasizing a colder theme towards mid-November. The coldest days on these charts would produce highs of about 5 C with morning lows of about -3 C.
There would be some risk of wintry showers and snow could fall either in Ireland or parts of Britain. Confidence is not high on this outcome yet though.

My local weather on Friday was partly cloudy, dry and mild with highs near 15 C.

M.T. Cranium · 30-10-2016 6:43am

Sunday, 30 October, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, rather misty over hills, mild. Highs 14-16 C. Slight drizzle may be noted but not much accumulation is expected. Note, new moon occurs today at 5:38 p.m. (GMT).

TONIGHT ... Cloudy intervals, mild, increasing southeast breeezes 30-50 km/hr and lows 8-12 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny breaks, risk of brief showers developing in north, winds generally southeast 30-50 km/hr backing to northeast late in the afternoon across Ulster with a gradual drop in temperatures there, otherwise highs 13-15 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few brief passing showers most likely in north, winds northerly 30-50 km/hr adding some chill, lows 2-6 C and highs 7-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sharp frosts and fog in morning, sunny intervals daytime, cold with lows -3 to +2 C and highs 7-10 C.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, somewhat milder, light rain developing, lows near 5 C and highs near 11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Turning quite cold from Friday 4th, as winds become generally north to northeast for about a week. Highs will be in the 4-8 C range and although nights will be rather cloudy some frosts will develop. Mixed wintry showers are quite possible on higher ground. Hail showers are most likely near sea level, but each day will also have some dry spells and limited sunshine that might be quite substantial near west coast. There are indications that this cold spell will relax its grip after about the 12th of November but milder weather will be short-lived with more cold to follow.

My local weather on Saturday was overcast with some rain in the morning, about 10 mm fell, then partly cloudy before sunset. Highs reached 12 C. Record warm temperatures are predicted for parts of the western and central U.S. now to about 2nd of November, highs may reach 27 C as far north as Nebraska and even South Dakota. Normal values are closer to 10-15 C.

M.T. Cranium · 31-10-2016 7:43am

Monday, 31 October, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with some sunny breaks, risk of brief showers developing in north, winds generally southeast 30-50 km/hr backing to northeast late in the afternoon across Ulster with a gradual drop in temperatures there, otherwise highs 13-15 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly to mostly cloudy, some light rain at times in Ulster and north Connacht, north Leinster, lows 2-6 C. Winds north to northeast 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few brief passing showers most likely in north, winds northerly 30-50 km/hr adding some chill, highs 7-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sharp frosts and fog in morning, sunny intervals daytime, cold with lows -3 to +2 C and highs 7-10 C.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, somewhat milder, light rain developing, lows near 5 C and highs near 11 C.

FRIDAY ... Windy and cold with passing showers that may turn wintry on hills, hail quite likely at lower elevations. Winds northerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows near 3 C and highs 7-9 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Windy and cold, wintry showers on hills, hail showers possible at lower elevations, some sunny intervals in the mix, gusty north to northeast winds. Lows near 2 C and highs 7-10 C. This cold weather will persist a few days into the following week.

OUTLOOK ... There are indications that this cold spell will relax its grip after about the 11th of November but milder weather will be short-lived with more cold to follow. However, temperatures could peak at around 12 C during the brief warmer interval as winds turn more westerly ahead of the next surge of colder air.

My local weather on Sunday was bright although mostly cloudy and it was mild at about 14 C. Rain has begun since midnight. We are still on daylight saving time here for another week. Meanwhile, very warm for this time of year in many parts of the central and eastern U.S., highs well above 20 C in many places yesterday and again today.

M.T. Cranium · 31-10-2016 7:43am

Monday, 31 October, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with some sunny breaks, risk of brief showers developing in north, winds generally southeast 30-50 km/hr backing to northeast late in the afternoon across Ulster with a gradual drop in temperatures there, otherwise highs 13-15 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly to mostly cloudy, some light rain at times in Ulster and north Connacht, north Leinster, lows 2-6 C. Winds north to northeast 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few brief passing showers most likely in north, winds northerly 30-50 km/hr adding some chill, highs 7-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sharp frosts and fog in morning, sunny intervals daytime, cold with lows -3 to +2 C and highs 7-10 C.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, somewhat milder, light rain developing, lows near 5 C and highs near 11 C.

FRIDAY ... Windy and cold with passing showers that may turn wintry on hills, hail quite likely at lower elevations. Winds northerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows near 3 C and highs 7-9 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Windy and cold, wintry showers on hills, hail showers possible at lower elevations, some sunny intervals in the mix, gusty north to northeast winds. Lows near 2 C and highs 7-10 C. This cold weather will persist a few days into the following week.

OUTLOOK ... There are indications that this cold spell will relax its grip after about the 11th of November but milder weather will be short-lived with more cold to follow. However, temperatures could peak at around 12 C during the brief warmer interval as winds turn more westerly ahead of the next surge of colder air.

My local weather on Sunday was bright although mostly cloudy and it was mild at about 14 C. Rain has begun since midnight. We are still on daylight saving time here for another week. Meanwhile, very warm for this time of year in many parts of the central and eastern U.S., highs well above 20 C in many places yesterday and again today.

M.T. Cranium · 01-11-2016 7:08am

Tuesday, 1st of November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly cloudy, a few brief passing showers most likely in north, winds northerly 30-50 km/hr adding some chill, highs 7-10 C except closer to 12 C near south coast.

TONIGHT ... Partial clearing, risk of sharp frosts after midnight, lows -3 to +2 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sharp frosts and fog in morning, sunny intervals daytime, cold with lows -3 to +2 C and highs 7-10 C.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, somewhat milder, light rain developing, lows near 5 C and highs near 11 C. Rainfalls about 2-5 mm.

FRIDAY ... Windy and cold with passing showers that may turn wintry on hills, hail quite likely at lower elevations. Winds northerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows near 3 C and highs 7-9 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Windy and cold, wintry showers on hills, hail showers possible at lower elevations, some sunny intervals in the mix, gusty north to northeast winds. Lows near 2 C and highs 7-10 C. This cold weather will persist a few days into the following week. Monday will actually turn even colder in Britain but will remain at about the same intensity for Ireland; Britain will also have stronger northerly winds at times as low pressure forms over the North Sea.

OUTLOOK ... There are indications that this cold spell will relax its grip after about the 10th of November and temperatures could peak at around 12 C during the brief warmer interval as winds turn more westerly ahead of the next surge of colder air likely to push south after mid-month.

My local weather on Monday was overcast with rain that turned heavy at times during the morning. October has been the least sunny (dullest) October on record in this region (Vancouver, BC). It was also one of the wettest. A smarter person than me would probably (a) figure out a way of getting all this water to the southwestern U.S. and (b) then figure out a way of getting himself there too. I suppose (a) could lead to (b).

Another point of interest, a "Medicane" formed on Monday southeast of Sicily and made a landfall in southern Greece before dying out over southern Turkey. This is a phenomenon which seems to happen about once or twice each autumn on average and the intensity of these storms is often about that of a strong Atlantic tropical storm or a weak hurricane.

M.T. Cranium · 02-11-2016 6:58am

Wednesday, 2 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Early frost will gradually clear, then partly sunny and quite cold with light winds and highs 7-10 C. Some cloud and drizzle may be found near north coast.

TONIGHT ... Increasing cloud, light rain beginning in the west around midnight, lowest readings 2-5 C evening or near midnight east then rising to 5-8 C.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, somewhat milder, light rain developing, and highs near 11 C. Rainfalls about 2-5 mm. Moderate southwest winds near exposed coasts but not a very windy day otherwise.

FRIDAY ... Windy and cold with passing showers that may turn wintry on hills, hail quite likely at lower elevations. Winds northerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows near 3 C and highs 7-9 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Windy and cold, wintry showers on hills, hail showers possible at lower elevations, some sunny intervals in the mix, gusty north to northeast winds. Lows near 2 C and highs 7-10 C. This cold weather will persist a few days into the following week. Monday will actually turn even colder in Britain but will remain at about the same intensity for Ireland; Britain will also have stronger northerly winds at times as low pressure forms over the North Sea. Ireland should see a slow moderation in temperatures from Monday to Wednesday reaching perhaps 10 C by mid-week.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The pattern around mid-month looks variable and generally rather cold with spells of westerly winds alternating with spells of northerly winds, and temperatures near normal in the first case, somewhat below in the northerly spells. Rainfall is likely to be a little below November normals although small amounts are likely most days with sleet on higher ground at times. Hail showers may be fairly frequent too.

My local weather on Tuesday had a few brief breaks in the overcast then back to periods of rain, highs near 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 03-11-2016 6:49am

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of light rain will gradually spread from west to east, but this band will not last all day at any given location and the rainfalls are relatively light (3-7 mm). Some breaks in the overcast may appear both before the rain arrives and after it leaves. Highs will reach 10-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers developing, windy and turning colder. Winds westerly veering to northerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows 3-5 C.

FRIDAY to MONDAY ... Each day will be fairly cold and windy with passing showers that may contain hail or (on higher terrain) sleet. Winds will be northerly 40-60 km/hr at times, more brisk near coasts. Highs each day will be around 7 or 8 C and lows about 1-3 C. Slight frosts could develop in a few spots in central counties.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Turning gradually milder for several days to end of next week in westerly winds, some light rain at times, highs near 10 C. Then another surge of rather cold and windy weather will develop around mid-month with highs around 6 or 7 C. There will be a slightly greater risk of wintry showers in this next cold spell. The pattern looks like it will continue in this alternating mode of mild westerly and cold northwest to north flows but the average will be cold for November.

My local weather on Wednesday was overcast with some heavy rain at times in the morning, just cloudy by afternoon, and highs were near 12 C. The very warm spell in eastern North America is slowly losing its intensity although colder air will arrive gradually in stages; by next week however there could be some snow flurries in parts of the Great Lakes and northeastern states.

M.T. Cranium · 04-11-2016 6:56am

Friday, 4 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, passing showers, turning colder by afternoon and evening when some of the showers may change to hail at low elevations and sleet on hills. Winds westerly 40-60 km/hr veering to northwest 50-70 km/hr. Highs 9-11 C.

TONIGHT ... Breezy and cold, some passing showers of hail or sleet, lows 1-3 C. Winds northerly 30-50 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, some streamers of mixed wintry showers likely in north, and near both east and west coasts. More sunshine is possible in south. Cold winds, northerly 40-60 km/hr and highs 7-10 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, further wintry showers in bands more concentrated on east coast as winds shift a little more to north-northeast at 40-60 km/hr. Other wintry showers could fall in higher parts of west Ulster and north Connacht, even west Munster. Morning lows near 1 or 2 C and some light frosts, then mid-day highs only 6-9 C.

MONDAY ... Sharp frosts possible with some clearing and lows -3 to +2 C, but a few isolated wintry showers likely too, then sunny intervals, not as windy, cold. Highs about 8 C.

TUESDAY ... Light rain at times, somewhat milder. Highs near 10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rather mild for the second half of the week, highs could reach 12 C by Thursday, then quite windy and turning colder in stages. A variable and fast-moving pattern will follow with large fluctuations in temperature as winds vary between westerly and northerly. Some of the colder spells could produce snow especially on northern hills.

My local weather on Thursday was partly cloudy but thankfully dry for a change, with a high near 12 C. Some eastern regions of North America had record highs, for example Washington D.C. (28 C) but cooler air is slowly pushing south across the Great Lakes region.

M.T. Cranium · 05-11-2016 7:08am

Saturday, 5 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly cloudy, some streamers of mixed wintry showers likely in north, and near both east and west coasts. More sunshine is possible in south. Cold winds, northerly 40-60 km/hr and highs 7-10 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, some wintry showers but less frequent after midnight, isolated frosts by morning, lows 1-3 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, further wintry showers in bands more concentrated on east coast as winds shift a little more to north-northeast at 40-60 km/hr. Other wintry showers could fall in higher parts of west Ulster and north Connacht, even west Munster, then highs only 6-9 C.

MONDAY ... Sharp frosts possible with some clearing and lows -3 to +2 C, but a few isolated wintry showers likely too, then sunny intervals, not as windy, cold. Highs about 8 C.

TUESDAY ... Light rain at times, somewhat milder. Lows 3-5 C and highs near 10 C. Moderate south to southwest winds 40-60 km/hr.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, occasional showers or light rain, temperatures steady 6-8 C. Winds westerly 50-70 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... Milder, some rain becoming heavier by late in the day, highs about 12 C.

FRIDAY ... Windy and turning colder, showers becoming wintry especially over northern hills, highs 4-7 C.

OUTLOOK ... Further large swings in temperature are likely as the flow continues to alternate between mild westerly and cold northwesterly intervals.

My local weather on Friday was cloudy, generally dry, and very mild with highs near 18 C. Rain has just started as we approach midnight here.

M.T. Cranium · 06-11-2016 6:13am

Sunday, 6 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly cloudy, some long sunny intervals away from bands of showers, some turning wintry on higher ground, in bands more concentrated on east coast as winds shift a little more to north-northeast at 40-60 km/hr. Other wintry showers could fall in higher parts of west Ulster and north Connacht, even west Munster, highs only 6-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Mixed wintry showers dying out, longer clear intervals, not as windy after midnight, some sharp frosts likely, lows -3 to +2 C.

MONDAY ... Sharp frosts possible with some clearing and lows -3 to +2 C, but a few isolated wintry showers likely too, then sunny intervals, not as windy, cold. Highs about 8 C.

TUESDAY ... Light rain at times, somewhat milder. Lows 3-5 C and highs near 10 C. Moderate south to southwest winds 40-60 km/hr. Western regions may have squally showers by early afternoon as it turns colder again, and this squall line may become rather intense by evening in Leinster.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, occasional showers or light rain, temperatures steady 6-8 C. Winds westerly 50-70 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... Milder, some rain becoming heavier by late in the day, highs about 12 C. Winds southwesterly to westerly increasing to 50-80 km/hr, squally showers likely by late in the day with a strong cold front.

FRIDAY ... Windy and turning colder, showers becoming wintry especially over northern hills, highs 4-7 C.

OUTLOOK ... Further large fluctuations in temperature will continue as spells of cold northwesterly winds alternate with milder westerlies, timing beyond about six days is rather pointless given the fast flow and standard errors at that time frame (but we can be more confident of the trend). Eventually one of these colder intervals may be cold enough to produce snow at lower elevations at least briefly.

My local weather on Saturday was foggy, damp and still rather mild although a few degrees cooler than Friday
at 14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 07-11-2016 8:13am

Monday, 7 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Frost may be slow to clear in some shaded areas, drive with caution in frost-prone rural areas. Sunny with increasing cloud by afternoon, isolated showers possible in northwest. Rather cold with highs 7-9 C, winds light.

TONIGHT ... Clouds thickening with rain after midnight in west, lowest temperatures likely during the evening then rising slowly to near 6 C by morning.

TUESDAY ... Light rain at times, somewhat milder with highs 10-12 C. Moderate south to southwest winds 40-60 km/hr. Western regions may have squally showers by early afternoon as it turns colder again, and this squall line may become rather intense by evening in Leinster with gusty winds developing.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, occasional showers or light rain, temperatures steady 6-9 C. Winds westerly 50-70 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... Milder, some rain becoming heavier by late in the day, highs about 10C. Winds southwesterly to westerly increasing to 50-80 km/hr.

FRIDAY ... Windy and mild until mid-day west, late afternoon east. Highs about 12 C, but temperatures falling off rapidly during the evening and overnight. Winds westerly 50-80 km/hr becoming northwesterly.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Colder again with moderate west to northwest winds, some showers, highs near 7 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The pattern still appears rather volatile although there are hints of milder conditions showing up beyond mid-month, not sure whether these will remain in the outlook portion of the model runs, or just flip back to the colder theme we were seeing for several days previously.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast with spots of rain but not much accumulation, with highs near 12 C.

M.T. Cranium · 08-11-2016 8:20am

Tuesday, 8 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Light to moderate rain at times with 10-20 mm expected, somewhat milder with highs 10-12 C. Moderate south to southwest winds 40-60 km/hr. Western regions may have squally showers by early afternoon as it turns colder there again, with a partial clearance to follow; meanwhile, a squall line may become rather intense by evening in Leinster with gusty winds developing. In all regions winds will veer to west then northwest 50-80 km/hr except east Ulster where the winds will remain more moderate all day.

TONIGHT ... Blustery, passing showers, lows 5-8 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, occasional showers or light rain, temperatures steady 6-9 C. Winds westerly 50-70 km/hr. Heavier showers are likely by evening and overnight into Thursday morning and it will be raw and cold with sleet on hills.

THURSDAY ... Milder, some rain becoming heavier by late in the day, highs about 10C. Winds southwesterly to westerly increasing to 50-80 km/hr.

FRIDAY ... Windy and mild until mid-day west, late afternoon east. Highs about 12 to 14 C, but temperatures falling off rapidly during the evening and overnight. Winds westerly 50-80 km/hr becoming northwesterly.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy, passing showers, highs near 9 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will become rather mild again with rain and highs in the 11-13 C range.

OUTLOOK ... Frequent showers and gusty winds, near normal temperatures for most of next week, with the week following that (after 18th November) looking quite cold in more of a northerly regime. If there's going to be some significant frost and scattered snow showers, current indications would suggest 20th to 24th looking like that window of opportunity. Having said that there are no charts yet suggesting heavy snow or severe cold.

My local weather on Monday was overcast and mild with light rain at times, highs near 15 C. The outlook for the U.S. election day about to unfold is generally good for voting, aside from some bands of rain in the Ohio valley region it looks generally quite mild to warm and dry in many places. There's no excuse then for anyone to vote less than once, or more often for that matter.

M.T. Cranium · 09-11-2016 8:12am

Wednesday, 9 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Variable cloud, best of any sunshine likely to be in Leinster and before mid-day, in general there will be occasional showers sometimes rather squally moving across western and northern counties, tending to die out somewhat before reaching the east coast, with temperatures steady 7-10 C. Winds westerly 50-70 km/hr. Heavier showers are likely by evening and overnight into Thursday morning and it will be raw and cold with sleet possible on higher elevations.

TONIGHT ... Breezy or windy and feeling cold in a raw west to northwest wind of about 50-60 km/hr, lows 3-6 C. Occasional squally showers frequent across the north and west, occasional elsewhere.

THURSDAY ... Milder, generally dry during the day except for occasional showers near west coast, then some rain arriving later, becoming heavier by the overnight hours, highs about 10C. Winds southwesterly to westerly increasing to 50-80 km/hr.

FRIDAY ... Windy and mild until mid-day west, late afternoon east. Highs about 12 to 14 C, but temperatures falling off rapidly during the evening and overnight. Winds westerly 50-80 km/hr becoming northwesterly.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy, passing showers, highs near 9 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will become rather mild again with rain and highs in the 11-13 C range. Windy at times, southwest 50-80 km/hr.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The fast flow will continue with alternating cool and mild intervals of about a day or two, making timing difficult at this range, and still the chance of considerably colder weather following by about the 18th.

My local weather was much better than it has been recently, some sunshine and record warm temperatures that peaked at 21 C. This may have been the latest 21 C (70 F) reading in our records, and it was even a little warmer south of the border, Bellingham WA hit 23 C.

M.T. Cranium · 10-11-2016 8:29am

Thursday, 10 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, occasional showers near west coast, longer dry intervals further east, and then some heavier rain arriving later in western counties, with highs about 10C. Winds southwesterly to westerly increasing to 50-70 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Rain at times in west, but it may remain dry for the first half of the night in some parts of the east and north. Lowest temperatures will probably be around midnight (2-4 C) with scattered light frosts in east but rising temperatures towards morning in many places.

FRIDAY ... Windy and mild until mid-day west, late afternoon east. Highs about 12 to 14 C, but temperatures falling off during the evening and overnight. Winds westerly 50-80 km/hr becoming northwesterly.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy, passing showers, lows 4-7 C and highs 9 to 11 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will become rather mild again with rain and highs in the 11-13 C range. Windy at times, southwest 50-80 km/hr.

TUESDAY will remain rather mild and breezy with occasional showers, highs 9-11 C.

WEDNESDAY will become quite windy with squally showers likely and slowly falling temperatures in the 5-7 C range.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY are looking quite cold with highs 4-7 C, passing showers that could involve mixed wintry precipitation and snow on hills, in northerly winds.

The FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for a colder trend in general late in November with the possibility of light snow in the mix, hints of something a bit more substantial on some charts so stay tuned, we may have some significant wintry outbreaks to track within ten days to two weeks.

My local weather on Wednesday was very foggy and mild with occasional light rain and highs near 14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 11-11-2016 8:40am

Friday, 11 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Watch for slippery roads due to patches of black ice in a few parts of inland Leinster to around 0900h ... Any frost or fog should give way to higher cloud for a time, followed by rain, and moderate south to southwest winds 40-60 km/hr. Highs will eventually reach 10-12 C.

TONIGHT ... The heavier rain should end by midnight in the east (most places by then will have 10-15 mm) and skies will partially clear in westerly winds of about 40 km/hr, turning a little colder with lows 4-6 C.

SATURDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sun, a few passing showers but eastern counties fairly dry, highs 9-12 C in westerly breezes of 30-50 km/hr.

SUNDAY ... Early morning frost or fog patches in the inland south but it will stay cloudy and somewhat more breezy elsewhere, so morning lows will range from about -1 C in a few southern locations to 4-7 C more generally, then a very mild day will follow, with some hazy sunshine in south and east, more cloud west and north with drizzle or light rain developing in a gradually increasing southwest wind reaching 50 km/hr by late afternoon, highs 11-13 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy and mild with moderate southwest winds and occasional drizzle or light rain, lows 4-7 C south, 7-10 C north and highs 10-13 C in all regions. (Full moon 1:52 p.m.)

TUESDAY ... Turning slightly colder in westerly winds of 30-50 km/hr, some morning drizzle and afternoon sunny breaks, morning lows near 5 C and afternoon highs near 9 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy and cool, passing showers, morning lows about 2-4 C and afternoon highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, heavy showers developing, some of them turning wintry on higher slopes, cold. Morning lows 1-3 C and afternoon highs 6-8 C.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and quite cold with passing wintry showers, lows -3 to -1 C and highs 4 to 7 C. Winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK (19-20 Nov) ... Timing this far out is speculative, the models are currently showing a strong wind and rain event hitting Ireland late in the day after a cold, dry start to the day. That timing could be off by at least half a day either way at this range, so in general would say that the following weekend may become stormy at some point with potential for winds gusting over 100 km/hr and 20-30 mm rainfalls. Temperatures would likely spike near 10 C as the strong low blasts through from west to east. Once past the Irish Sea, the floodgates open for even colder air from the far north and temperatures will steadily fall until about Tuesday 22nd when they could be not far from freezing even in the daytime. Mixed wintry showers would be widespread from various different wind directions during the cold spell. This cold spell looks like it could persist to the end of November.

The above is one of two possible scenarios, another one would be somewhat more gradual with cold conditions on the weekend without a strong wind or rain event, then milder with that sort of outcome to follow and a later blast of cold possible. So we'll have to wait to see which of the two model scenarios wins out.

My local weather on Thursday was cloudy but dry and very mild again, another daily record although just barely at 16 C.

M.T. Cranium · 12-11-2016 8:36am

Saturday, 12 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sun, a few passing showers but eastern counties mainly dry, highs 10-12 C in westerly breezes of 30-50 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Mild for most, but if skies clear in the south it could become quite cool in some valleys inland with a slight risk of frost, lows will generally be about 4 to 7 C but could fall to zero briefly in the inland south. Some fog or mist is likely before dawn.

SUNDAY ... Early morning frost or fog patches in the inland south but it will stay cloudy and somewhat more breezy elsewhere, then a very mild day will follow, with some hazy sunshine in south and east, more cloud west and north with drizzle or light rain developing in a gradually increasing southwest wind reaching 50 km/hr by late afternoon, highs 11-13 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy and mild with moderate southwest winds and occasional drizzle or light rain, lows 4-7 C south, 7-10 C north and highs 10-13 C in all regions. (Full moon 1:52 p.m., it's a "supermoon" because lunar perigee is quite close in timing.)

TUESDAY ... Turning slightly colder in westerly winds of 30-50 km/hr, some morning drizzle and afternoon sunny breaks, morning lows near 5 C and afternoon highs near 11 C although 8-9 C in parts of the north.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy and cool, passing showers, morning lows about 2-4 C and afternoon highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, heavy showers developing, some of them turning wintry on higher slopes, cold. Morning lows 1-3 C and afternoon highs 6-8 C. Rather brisk west to northwest winds likely.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and quite cold with passing wintry showers, lows -3 to -1 C and highs 4 to 7 C. Winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr.

OUTLOOK ... The divergence in model solutions that I described yesterday is still there, but the GFS model is now tracking the Saturday low across the south and that would prevent temperatures from rising very much, while confining the rain to the south coast with a risk of sleet or snow on southern hills. Due to this track, the GFS solution keeps the north rather dry and cold through the weekend as a weaker second low tracks behind the first one; even colder weather would then follow. The European model seems to want to ignore this development on the weekend, maintaining the Friday chill into part of Saturday then moderating temperatures somewhat in a westerly flow. But eventually it looks like both solutions turn to a colder phase so perhaps the divergence is about to be resolved. Whatever happens, the main weather event in the "reliable time" frame is the turn to colder weather after mid-week and it will feel quite wintry by Thursday and Friday even if there is only a bit of snow on hills.

My local weather continued to be rather mild although quite overcast with some light rain at times, with highs of about 14 C. It has turned a lot colder in the eastern U.S. and Canada thanks to a large high situated near Lake Michigan. It's not particularly cold for mid-November though, with highs of about 7-10 C and slight frosts at night associated with this high.

M.T. Cranium · 13-11-2016 8:12am

Sunday, 13 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly cloudy, a few early fog or mist patches, some drizzle and low cloud possible near northern coasts, and very mild, in a gradually increasing southwest wind reaching 50 km/hr by late afternoon, highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, very mild, lows 8-11 C. Light fog or mist patches with drizzle near north coasts.

MONDAY ... Cloudy and mild with moderate southwest winds and occasional drizzle or light rain, and highs 12-15 C in all regions. (Full moon 1:52 p.m., it's a "supermoon" because lunar perigee is quite close in timing.) Tides will be running quite high on the west coast and parts of the south coast, although no storm surge issues are foreseen in these rather moderate winds.

TUESDAY ... Turning slightly colder in westerly winds of 30-50 km/hr, some morning drizzle and afternoon sunny breaks, morning lows near 5 C and afternoon highs near 12 C although 8-10 C in parts of the north.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy and cooler, passing showers, morning lows about 2-4 C and afternoon highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, heavy showers developing, some of them turning wintry on higher slopes, cold. Morning lows 1-3 C and afternoon highs 6-8 C. Rather brisk west to northwest winds likely.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and quite cold with passing wintry showers, lows -3 to -1 C and highs 4 to 7 C. Winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Intervals of sleety light rain in brisk northerly winds, snow possible on higher slopes in Leinster, trending to partly cloudy further west with isolated showers in bands from the Atlantic. Cold, morning lows 2-4 C and afternoon highs 5-8 C.

SUNDAY ... Overcast, milder, some light rain at times, lows 3-5 C and highs about 11 C.

MONDAY and TUESDAY (21st-22nd) are now looking more similar on the various global models, the overall theme is cool and perhaps wet across the south, and cold enough for the rain to turn to sleet or snow on higher ground, temperatures generally around 5-7 C at sea level and 2-4 C higher elevations. Winds sometimes brisk from the east backing to northerly as low pressure moves past the south coast into the Irish Sea.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for rather cold weather to continue later in the week with temperatures slightly below normal (highs about 6 C). Truly wintry charts are not really on offer yet, but it would not take a lot of change to bring those into the outlook period as the upper level flow becomes northerly.

My local weather on Saturday was overcast with light rain at times, and the high was about 14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 14-11-2016 8:44am

Monday, 14 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy and very mild with moderate southwest winds and patchy drizzle or light rain, with highs 13-16 C in all regions. Full moon at 1:52 p.m., it's a "supermoon" because lunar perigee is quite close in timing.) Tides will be running quite high on the west coast and parts of the south coast, although no storm surge issues are foreseen in these rather moderate winds.

TONIGHT ... Another very mild night although perhaps lows falling a little below 10 C in north and west, near 10 C elsewhere, with a little rain at times and moderate southwest winds 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Not quite as mild, partly cloudy to overcast with some morning drizzle and afternoon sunny breaks, winds southwest to west 40-60 km/hr becoming rather gusty in the afternoon, highs near 12 C although 8-10 C in parts of the north.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy and cooler, passing showers, morning lows about 2-4 C and afternoon highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, heavy showers developing, some of them turning wintry on higher slopes, cold. Morning lows 1-3 C and afternoon highs 6-8 C. Rather brisk west to northwest winds (50-70 km/hr at times) likely.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and quite cold with passing wintry showers, lows -3 to -1 C and highs 4 to 7 C. Winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Intervals of sleety light rain in brisk northerly winds, snow possible on higher slopes in Leinster, trending to partly cloudy further west with isolated showers in bands from the Atlantic. Cold, morning lows 2-4 C and afternoon highs 5-8 C.

SUNDAY ... It may become very windy for part of the overnight period Saturday night into Sunday morning, from various directions as low pressure approaches and moves across the southern half of the country. This may be accompanied by heavy rain that could turn sleety on hills with snow on higher summits. This storm's intensity is still an open question with models showing various solutions, some would suggest potential for gusts of 90-110 km/hr at least for the south coast and perhaps further north as well. By later Sunday this storm may be well past the Irish Sea and winds will be rapidly moderating although still rather brisk. Highs on Sunday are likely to be held to the 5-8 C range except possibly near 10 C in the south.

OUTLOOK ... Somewhat colder again for part of the following week, with some suggestions of milder, foggy conditions in easterly winds, but with another drop in temperatures coming near the end of the month.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast with rain that was sometimes rather heavy, and the highs reached 14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 15-11-2016 8:33am

Tuesday, 15 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Continued mild, although not quite as mild as yesterday, becoming partly cloudy to overcast with some morning drizzle and afternoon sunny breaks, winds southwest to west 40-60 km/hr becoming rather gusty in the afternoon, highs near 12 C although 8-10 C in parts of the north.

TONIGHT ... Breezy and overcast with a few showers, lows 2-5 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy and cooler, passing showers, and afternoon highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, heavy showers developing, some of them turning wintry on higher slopes, cold. Morning lows 1-3 C and afternoon highs 6-8 C. Rather brisk west to northwest winds (50-70 km/hr at times) likely. Expect a coating of snow on most higher summits.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and quite cold with passing wintry showers, lows -3 to -1 C and highs 4 to 7 C. Winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Intervals of sleety or wintry showers in moderate northerly winds, snow possible on higher slopes in Leinster, trending to partly cloudy further west with isolated showers in bands from the Atlantic. Cold, morning lows 2-4 C and afternoon highs 5-8 C. Later in the day, winds will turn more easterly and some sleety rain is likely in Munster, turning to snow on higher slopes.

SUNDAY ... Windy with mixed precipitation likely, the exact track of low pressure near or over the southern half of the country will help to determine what falls where, but likely to be heavier near south coast (rain certain at sea level, sleet possible inland and higher slopes, snow on summits). This storm may not be as strong for the north but eventually winds there will become moderate to strong northwest as the low tracks away to the east during the afternoon. Temperatures during this event may peak near 10 C on the south coast but could be held to 4-6 C further north and at higher elevations in the south, with a gradual fall to 2-4 C later. Winds could gust to 100 km/hr near the south coast, most likely from the east backing to north, unless the low tracks any distance inland, that would push these stronger east winds into central counties and expose the south coast to southerly gales briefly.

Although this early Sunday low is now on most global models, the track varies and so does the lowest pressure, so expect this weekend outlook to be refined as we get closer to the time. Could it miss further to the south, or even move so far north that it becomes a mild sector event? Possible but this south coast track seems the most likely at present.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Rather cold for a few days early next week, highs near 5 C and morning frosts, then turning milder in east to southeast winds mid-week, highs 9-11 C. Another turn to colder weather seems likely near the end of the month.

My local weather on Monday was overcast with light rain, and rather mild, with highs near 12 C. It remains fairly bland across North America for the rest of the week, until a strong snowstorm develops in the central Rockies around Thursday. This will spread a blizzard into the northern plains states on Friday with milder air moving north across the Great Lakes.

M.T. Cranium · 16-11-2016 8:09am

Wednesday, 16 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Variable cloud, breezy and cooler, winds westerly 50-70 km/hr, higher gusts near Atlantic coasts, passing showers, risk of hail and thunder with afternoon highs 7-11 C (mildest southeast).

TONIGHT ... Becoming colder with mixed wintry showers developing across parts of the northwest, occasional rain showers elsewhere, sometimes turning to hail. Winds westerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows 1-3 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, heavy showers developing, some of them turning wintry on higher slopes, cold. Morning lows 1-3 C and afternoon highs 6-8 C. Rather brisk west to northwest winds (50-70 km/hr at times) likely. Expect a coating of snow on most higher summits with 5-15 cms possible in Donegal, 3-5 cms in Connemara and some other parts of Connacht.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and quite cold with passing wintry showers, lows -3 to -1 C and highs 4 to 7 C. Additional snowfalls on higher hills in Connacht and west Ulster. Winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... After a rather frosty start, winds will become light and variable, then by late afternoon easterly 30-50 km/hr across the south. It may remain dry in many parts but some onshore bands of sleety showers are likely, then a spell of cold rain for west Munster (5-10 mm likely). Morning lows -2 to +3 C and highs near 6 C.

SATURDAY NIGHT into SUNDAY ... Windy and cold across the south, a chilly rain near sea level, sleet inland and snow on higher slopes above 300m across the south and east. This precipitation may cut off north of Dublin to Clare, with isolated wintry showers further north, but some sunshine during the day on Sunday. Not as windy in the north. Temperatures steady 3-6 C for most, but could reach 8-10 C briefly near south coast where winds from northeast about 50-80 km/hr (higher wind speeds offshore). By late Sunday there may be a second wave of sleety or mixed precipitation approaching the south coast. During the passage of the low early Sunday, heavy wet snow could fall above 300m on Wicklow and Dublin hills, and in higher parts of Waterford, Kilkenny. Melting snow or sleet could fall for a time between 100m and 300m above sea level, more likely a cold rain near sea level.

MONDAY ... Mixed precipitation possible especially in south Leinster and east Munster, winds generally northeast 40-60 km/hr but could become stronger near Irish Sea. Risk of heavy wet snow on hills, rain more likely near coasts and below 150m above sea level. Temperatures steady 3-5 C.

OUTLOOK ... Foggy or misty then turning somewhat milder in southeast winds later in the week, rain at times by Wednesday and Thursday, highs near 10 C, followed by colder weather again near the end of November in east to northeast winds 30-50 km/hr.

The cold northwest flow will bring heavy snowfalls to western and central Scotland (inland mostly) and the weekend storm could drop 15-30 cms in Wales and higher parts of north-central England. This will fall as sleet or rain at lower elevations but it will be cold and raw in strong winds; the track of the storm is still not confirmed but appears to be edging a bit further south on the more recent model guidance. This should keep any slight warming further south than most of Britain too. Very strong winds may develop in France and even as far north as the Channel, gusting to 120 km/hr there.

My local weather on Tuesday was overcast with some heavy rain at times in the morning, just a dry cloudy afternoon, and highs near 11 C. A snowstorm is brewing over Wyoming and western Colorado, likely to move slowly out into the north-central plains states later today and tomorrow.

M.T. Cranium · 17-11-2016 8:18am

Thursday, 17 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for widespread hail and snow showers, the hail will be more likely at elevations below 300m, snow will be increasingly probable above that elevation especially in Connacht and Ulster. The main hazard will be slippery roads, glare from brief sunny intervals may also be a problem. Longer term, there are slight risks of snow on hills in the southeast Sunday and Monday.

TODAY ... Windy and very cold with showers or intervals of rain mixing with hail, sometimes rather heavy and thundery. Snow may begin to appear on higher slopes by afternoon and evening, in particular in north Connacht and west Ulster. Winds westerly 50-80 km/hr adding quite a chill to temperatures that will be steady in the 5-7 C range. Colder at times after falls of hail or snow. Watch for hazardous glare and road spray in rapidly changing weather conditions.

TONIGHT ... Further wintry showers likely, some accumulations of 3-7 cms of snow on hills in Donegal, 2-4 cms in Connacht, and also prolonged intervals of hail at lower elevations. Winds west-northwest 50-80 km/hr. Lows near zero with scattered frost and ice inland rural areas, 1-3 C in larger towns and cities as well as western coastal regions.

FRIDAY ... Continued windy and cold with passing mixed or wintry showers, possibly somewhat longer dry intervals between these, winds west-northwest at 40-70 km/hr, highs 5-8 C.

SATURDAY ... Sharp morning frosts as the wintry showers largely end away from a few coastal parts of the northwest, lows -3 to +1 C. Then some sunshine through increasing high cloud, winds becoming variable and (in southern counties) easterly 30-50 km/hr later. Some outbreaks of sleet or cold rain in west Munster by afternoon, and isolated wintry showers in the north. Highs 5-8 C.

SUNDAY ... Early morning sleet may brush the Wexford coast but the low seems to be tracking just far enough south to miss most other counties. It will have a strong impact in Wales and southern England with mixed precipitation there. Some streamers may develop during the morning around the southern Irish Sea coasts and also coming onshore in northern Mayo and western Donegal. Most other counties will likely remain dry and cold with moderate winds, temperatures steady 3-7 C.

MONDAY ... Another storm moving into southern Britain (from Biscay region) may spread some bands of mixed sleety precipitation as far west as Leinster, otherwise it will be windy and cold with temperatures steady 3-7 C. Some sunshine could develop in the northwest, with northeast winds 40-60 km/hr adding considerable wind chill in the south and east.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals after a sharp morning frost, lows -4 to -1 C and highs 4 to 8 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slightly milder later in the week, temperatures may briefly reach 10 C, then back to colder weather near the end of November. Some charts for early December look quite wintry in northerly flow.

My local weather on Wednesday was overcast with occasional rain and some localized heavy hail (that missed my location). Highs were about 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 18-11-2016 5:51am

Friday, 18 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Windy and very cold with sleety showers, sometimes turning to hail or snow, but snow more frequent on hills. Winds 40-70 km/hr and highs 4-7 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals developing, very cold. Sharp frosts and patchy freezing fog possible. Lows -4 to +1 C.

SATURDAY ... Increasing high cloud will dim sunshine by afternoon, winds generally light at first then becoming easterly 30-50 km/hr in southern counties. Some isolated outbreaks of sleet or cold rain mainly in west Munster.

SATURDAY NIGHT into SUNDAY ... Although the Atlantic storm is still expected to pass far enough south to prevent much of an impact on Ireland, the south coast and nearby higher hills could see sleet or snow at times during the night, and later the Wicklow and Wexford coasts and nearby hills could see coatings of snow or hail from streamers. The main impact of the storm will be from north Wales across central England and this makes it quite a close call, any shift in the track closer to the event could bring snow or sleet over more extensive portions of Ireland as well. But for now, the call is for mainly dry and cold conditions away from the southeast coast, some sunshine mainly north and west, and cold, with temperatures steady in the 3-6 C range. Winds may peak at about 40-60 km/hr in the southeast as the storm goes past in the early morning, later around 30-50 km/hr over much of the country.

MONDAY ... Another system will form over Biscay and head for Britain; this time the impact on Ireland would be more likely to occur as streamers forming over the Irish Sea in northeast winds, the main precipitation of the storm itself will likely be confined to central and eastern England (sleet, snow and a cold rain mixture there). Once again, if this system were to shift west, then Ireland would be in line for the resulting mixed wintry falls. For now, we'll go with a forecast of dry and cold for most, isolated sleet or hail showers, snow on some higher slopes in Dublin and Wicklow. Lows -2 to +2 C and highs 4-7 C.

TUESDAY will continue dry and cold for most with isolated mixed wintry showers in light to moderate northeast winds. Lows -3 to +1 C and highs about 5-8 C.

OUTLOOK ... slightly milder mid-week, then back to cold and dry, earlier indications that some rain might fall are being pushed south but a bit of drizzle or fog might develop around Thursday. The highest temperatures in this rather slight warmup will be 9-10 C. After that it will be closer to 5-8 C as we approach the end of the month.

My local weather on Thursday was hazy with some welcome sunshine by afternoon and highs near 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 19-11-2016 9:24am

Saturday, 19 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some sunny intervals for north and east, mostly cloudy south and west, outbreaks of wintry showers mainly confined to west Muster and coastal Connacht with isolated showers possible elsewhere. A cold rain will begin by mid-afternoon near the south coast as winds increase to easterly 40-60 km/hr there, otherwise winds rather light and variable. Highs 4-7 C.

TONIGHT ... Some sleet or light rain near south coast may change to heavy wet snow over higher terrain in south coast counties, winds east to northeast about 50 km/hr. Further north, it is likely to remain dry except for some light and isolated wintry showers that would be more likely near east and northwest coasts than inland. Lows near -1 C inland, some frost is possible, to +3 C inland south coast.

SUNDAY ... Any sleet or hill snow that develops overnight should pull away before mid-day, and most regions further north will have a dry day but there could be some isolated wintry showers in north central and western counties by afternoon. Winds northeast backing to north then northwest 40-60 km/hr and cold with highs about 4-7 C.

MONDAY and TUESDAY ... A slow-moving disturbance tracking north into England will brush some eastern counties with sleet, cold rain and heavy wet snow on hills, but exact details on this will be easier to forecast by Sunday, for now the call is for a 70% chance of some precipitation but only 30% that more than 5 mm (or equivalent) will fall. West and north should remain largely dry in a cold north to northeast wind 40-60 km/hr. Lows each day 0-2 C and highs about 4-6 C.

OUTLOOK ... Somewhat milder later in the week, although frosts will continue at night in some areas. Highs will vary from 5 to 9 C. Some fog, mist or light rain may brush the south coast at some point but otherwise it should remain largely dry. Eventually, a stronger high will develop with possible sharp frosts and a colder trend again.

During the weekend, very strong winds may develop over western France and southern England and the Channel. Heavy wet snow is likely in Wales on Sunday, mixed sleety precipitation in central England, and some heavy rain in southeast England where highs may reach 8 C.

My local weather on Friday was partly cloudy to overcast with highs 8-10 C. Light rain has developed overnight. (sorry about this being a late post, the site was very slow to load for some reason).

M.T. Cranium · 20-11-2016 8:12am

Sunday, 20 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for severe icing conditions on many roads due to sharp frost and freezing fog, black ice is very likely on untreated roads, and may persist all morning in some shaded valley locations. Outside of warmer city cores, either drive with extreme caution or consider postponing trips.

TODAY ... Sharp frost and severe icing with freezing fog in many areas this morning, temperatures very slow to recover in some shaded valleys although other places will see thinning fog followed by hazy sunshine. Conditions may vary considerably from one spot to another and also from one time to another, see alert for road conditions. One or two streamers of hail, sleet or snow showers may continue to feed into east Wicklow and north Wexford, falling as heavier snow on higher slopes. Similar bands will form in north Connacht from the Atlantic with similar results. But these will be isolated events, they may move around and drift over larger population centres some time during the day. Highs today generally should reach 3-6 C but could be held down to -1 C in some cases. Winds northeast 30-50 km/hr in some exposed parts of Leinster but only 20-30 km/hr in many other areas, and that only on higher exposed ground.

TONIGHT ... Frost and freezing fog, very cold, widespread icy roads. Lows about -5 to -2 C.

MONDAY ... Similar conditions to today, with more coastal streamers likely to form and drop isolated sleet or snow showers. Highs zero to +5 C. Winds north-northeast sometimes backing to northwest 30-50 km/hr adding chill in some exposed areas. With the shifting winds, streamers may intensify on the Atlantic coast at the expense of dying activity over the east coast.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY will continue cold and mainly free of precipitation although freezing fog may persist in places. Lows each day -5 to zero C, and highs 2 to 6 C.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY will turn somewhat milder in the daytime, reaching 8 or 9 C, except where freezing fog persists which could be some central valley regions, but lows will be as cold as -4 to +1 C in all regions. The places that fail to clear from fog could be held down to about +3 C or lower. Light drizzle may brush the south coast of Kerry and Cork at some point, as rain offshore moves past to the west.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Cold and dry with some freezing fog each night until a strong northwest to north wind develops early in December, bringing widespread mixed or wintry showers and much stronger winds again.

Over in BRITAIN, Storm "Angus" which largely missed Ireland other than brushing the south coast with sleety rain and hill snow, has created severe winds over the Channel and south coast of England, north coast of France. Some land stations have had gusts to 140 km/hr and the Greenwich Light Ship south of Brighton recently reported southwest winds of 110 km/hr gusting to 155 km/hr. These damaging winds will sweep over Sussex and Kent this morning with widespread wind damage and travel disruptions in that region. The impact on London will likely be considerably more moderate (wind gusts could reach 90 km/hr briefly). Heavy snow is likely on higher ground in Wales, central to north-central England. A repeat performance without the strong winds will come from the second low on Monday; this one may also brush the southeast corner of Ireland with mixed bands of wintry showers in northeast winds.

My local weather was pretty dull by comparison, partly cloudy and mild with light winds and a high of 12 C.

M.T. Cranium · 21-11-2016 8:02am

Monday, 21 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for icy road conditions in parts of central and inland northwestern counties this morning; earlier frost has generally cleared elsewhere but watch for patches of black ice. ... ALERT for winter storm conditions over higher portions of the southeast later today and tonight, heavy snow (10-20 cm) may develop above 200m in Dublin, Wicklow and nearby parts of other counties; sleet is likely from sea level to 200m. This wintry precipitation will be accompanied by strong northeast winds 40-70 km/hr.

TODAY ... Fog and frost will slowly clear from remaining central and inland northwest locations with icy roads persisting for a few hours but generally the extent of ice or frost is slowly decreasing as winds pick up. Fairly soon, bands of rain turning to sleet will strike the southeast, turning to heavy snow on hills above 200m. Falls of 10-20 cms may be experienced on higher parts of the Dublin and Wicklow hills. Lower down, sleet will be the dominant type, with rain near sea level. Winds over south and east Leinster will increase to northeast 40-70 km/hr. Further west, some lighter mixed precipitation may develop in bands and winds will be brisk at north-northeast 30-50 km/hr. The west coast will be partly cloudy but with some bands of wintry showers feeding down from Donegal Bay across Connacht and at times in parts of west Munster. Some places will remain dry all day especially in west-central and inland south counties. Highs everywhere may reach 5 to 7 C but it may only feel like 1-3 C in the wind.

TONIGHT ... Mixed wintry showers will continue, heavy snow may continue over higher portions of the southeast and possibly on some hills in west Ulster and Connacht. Clear intervals will develop elsewhere. Lows -2 to +3 C. Winds backing to northerly 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Some ice fog or frost in central valleys to inland northwest, but otherwise partly cloudy and very cold, isolated streamers of mixed wintry showers but generally becoming dry in most places, highs 3-7 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Widespread and possibly severe ice fog and frost, lasting much of the day in some sheltered locations. Hazy sunshine may develop in some coastal and higher inland areas. Morning lows -6 to -3 C, highs 1-4 C in fog, 4 to 8 C in any clear conditions.

THURSDAY ... Scattered ice fog and frost, low cloud persisting in some parts, hazy sunshine elsewhere; a little milder in south and near coasts. Lows -5 to +1 C, highs about 5 C except 8-11 C near Atlantic and southwest coasts.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, cold, some morning fog and frost. Lows -4 to +1 C, highs 5 to 9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slowly becoming less frosty at night but continued cold by day as winds pick up from the southeast, wintry showers at times, followed by intervals of heavier wintry showers after the weekend, then a more active pattern resuming with some intervals of milder Atlantic air masses but occasional colder days as well into the first week of December.

Over in BRITAIN the approaching storm will bring some persistent rain and moderate southeast winds, turning to heavy wet snow over some hills by tonight. Although it will be a bit milder than Ireland, it will feel quite cold there as well due to the raw winds. The outlook for most of Britain is then fairly similar to Ireland although with less widespread frost or freezing fog.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast with a few spots of rain at times, and highs near 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 21-11-2016 8:02am

Monday, 21 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for icy road conditions in parts of central and inland northwestern counties this morning; earlier frost has generally cleared elsewhere but watch for patches of black ice. ... ALERT for winter storm conditions over higher portions of the southeast later today and tonight, heavy snow (10-20 cm) may develop above 200m in Dublin, Wicklow and nearby parts of other counties; sleet is likely from sea level to 200m. This wintry precipitation will be accompanied by strong northeast winds 40-70 km/hr.

TODAY ... Fog and frost will slowly clear from remaining central and inland northwest locations with icy roads persisting for a few hours but generally the extent of ice or frost is slowly decreasing as winds pick up. Fairly soon, bands of rain turning to sleet will strike the southeast, turning to heavy snow on hills above 200m. Falls of 10-20 cms may be experienced on higher parts of the Dublin and Wicklow hills. Lower down, sleet will be the dominant type, with rain near sea level. Winds over south and east Leinster will increase to northeast 40-70 km/hr. Further west, some lighter mixed precipitation may develop in bands and winds will be brisk at north-northeast 30-50 km/hr. The west coast will be partly cloudy but with some bands of wintry showers feeding down from Donegal Bay across Connacht and at times in parts of west Munster. Some places will remain dry all day especially in west-central and inland south counties. Highs everywhere may reach 5 to 7 C but it may only feel like 1-3 C in the wind.

TONIGHT ... Mixed wintry showers will continue, heavy snow may continue over higher portions of the southeast and possibly on some hills in west Ulster and Connacht. Clear intervals will develop elsewhere. Lows -2 to +3 C. Winds backing to northerly 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Some ice fog or frost in central valleys to inland northwest, but otherwise partly cloudy and very cold, isolated streamers of mixed wintry showers but generally becoming dry in most places, highs 3-7 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Widespread and possibly severe ice fog and frost, lasting much of the day in some sheltered locations. Hazy sunshine may develop in some coastal and higher inland areas. Morning lows -6 to -3 C, highs 1-4 C in fog, 4 to 8 C in any clear conditions.

THURSDAY ... Scattered ice fog and frost, low cloud persisting in some parts, hazy sunshine elsewhere; a little milder in south and near coasts. Lows -5 to +1 C, highs about 5 C except 8-11 C near Atlantic and southwest coasts.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, cold, some morning fog and frost. Lows -4 to +1 C, highs 5 to 9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slowly becoming less frosty at night but continued cold by day as winds pick up from the southeast, wintry showers at times, followed by intervals of heavier wintry showers after the weekend, then a more active pattern resuming with some intervals of milder Atlantic air masses but occasional colder days as well into the first week of December.

Over in BRITAIN the approaching storm will bring some persistent rain and moderate southeast winds, turning to heavy wet snow over some hills by tonight. Although it will be a bit milder than Ireland, it will feel quite cold there as well due to the raw winds. The outlook for most of Britain is then fairly similar to Ireland although with less widespread frost or freezing fog.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast with a few spots of rain at times, and highs near 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 22-11-2016 8:45am

Tuesday, 22 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rain, sleet and hill snow should soon pull away from the east coast, but there and also in Connacht there will be isolated streamers of mixed wintry showers; partly cloudy elsewhere, cold and generally dry in most places, highs 3-7 C. Winds northerly 30-50 km/hr although stronger gusts in exposed coastal areas.

TONIGHT and WEDNESDAY ... Widespread and possibly severe ice fog and frost, lasting much of the day in some sheltered locations. Hazy sunshine may develop in some coastal and higher inland areas. Morning lows -6 to -3 C, highs 1-4 C in fog, 4 to 8 C in any clear conditions, which will be more likely near the south and west coasts and in greater Dublin (the urban heating effect will help to disperse fog faster there). With light east winds (a bit stronger near south coast) any sunshine may feel pleasantly warm but where it stays cloudy or foggy, it will also feel bitterly cold.

THURSDAY ... Scattered ice fog and frost, low cloud persisting in some parts, hazy sunshine elsewhere; a little milder in south and near coasts. Lows -5 to +1 C, highs about 5 C except 8-11 C near Atlantic and southwest coasts.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, cold, some morning fog and frost. Lows -4 to +1 C, highs 5 to 9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slowly becoming less frosty at night but continued rather cold by day as winds pick up from the southeast, eventually one or two wintry showers at times after the weekend, then a more active pattern resuming with some intervals of milder Atlantic air masses but occasional colder days as well into the first week of December.

Today will bring persistent rain and locally strong winds to BRITAIN and this could change over to snow on high ground by later today. After that, the weather may become rather foggy and that may hold temperatures down, otherwise highs should be 5-8 C.

My local weather was clear by mid-morning, and mild with hazy sunshine and highs near 11 C.

M.T. Cranium · 23-11-2016 8:05am

Wednesday, 23 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some patchy fog, in some cases freezing fog, with icy roads in some rural areas, across portions of the inland northwest, central and southeast counties may persist for some time, where it does, temperatures will be slow to recover and highs may only reach about 2-4 C. Many other places will enjoy a more rapid rise in temperatures and sunny intervals, with highs 8-10 C. Winds light across most regions, northeast 20-40 km/hr for the southeast coast and exposed south coast, slight risk of wintry showers moving inland from the Irish Sea (but very small amounts expected).

TONIGHT ... Widespread freezing fog is likely, lows -5 to -2 C. Where fog does not form, skies may be clear at times, with patchy low cloud across coastal regions.

THURSDAY ... Fog eventually lifting, replaced by low cloud in some places, but hazy sunshine elsewhere. Highs once again will vary from 2-5 C in fog to about 8-10 C in sunshine or higher cloud. Mainly light winds but east to northeast 20-40 km/hr in south where some low cloud and drizzle may develop.

FRIDAY ... Little change, with overnight frost and fog likely, lows -5 to -2 C, then partly cloudy by mid-day, highs 7-9 C with light winds.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... The extent of fog and frost will tend to drop off slowly as winds slowly increase from the southeast, but there will continue to be some pockets of freezing fog each night to about Monday 28th. Skies will be partly cloudy to overcast by the weekend but there may be some decent sunny spells especially near south and west coasts. Lows each day -3 to +2 C and highs 7 to 10 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Becoming windy near the end of the month and turning quite cold for a day or two, highs 3-6 C, winds west to northwest 40-60 km/hr, then slowly becoming milder although with some return of frost and fog at night.

My local weather on Tuesday was cloudy with rain and fog. The high was about 9 C. The snow line has come down to about 600 metres and most passes have heavy snowfall warnings in the Pacific northwest states as well as southern B.C.; this snow won't come down much lower for a few weeks yet.

M.T. Cranium · 24-11-2016 8:24am

Thursday, 24 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some persistent frost and fog in a few central and inland northwest locations, which may clear by late morning, reducing the chill factor eventually, highs could reach 4-6 C in those areas; elsewhere, partly cloudy and somewhat milder with highs 8-11 C. Light to moderate east winds at times 20-40 km/hr. Road conditions may be quite variable this morning if you're travelling, take care.

TONIGHT ... Frost and freezing fog may prove to be somewhat more widespread at least away from the east and south coasts; lows -5 to -2 C for most but as high as +3 C in some coastal and urban locations.

FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals developing, after some persistent fog or low cloud clear away. Highs generally 7-9 C.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY will see little change in this stagnant weather pattern, so expect more of the same, overnight fog and frost especially in the central and inland west, probably extending a bit more into the inland south as we go forward, then partly cloudy days when fog clears. Lows will continue in the range of -4 to zero C for most, and highs 7 to 10 C.

MONDAY and TUESDAY will likely produce more cloud and milder nights due to the cloud and also a stronger southeast breeze, but daytime temperatures will not change much. Lows 2-4 C and highs 7-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Around Wednesday it may become rather breezy from the west as a weak front moves through, but this will quickly be replaced by another high and foggy conditions. Models then diverge into two different outcomes. One is that the new high sticks around for quite a while with the likelihood of dense fog developing, and widespread frost although breaking during the daytime hours. That's the general theme on the European model. The North American models have the second high weakening rapidly and allowing a strong blast of cold air from the north, which could be cold enough for widespread snow showers by about 4-5 December. These outcomes are different enough that we cannot have very much confidence in either; the outcome may be some sort of compromise not shown on any guidance yet.

My local weather on Wednesday was fairly mild and dry, highs near 11 C.

Hurricane Otto is gaining a bit of strength as it slowly approaches the coast near the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Having looked through a lot of historical maps, I could say that there have only been about five tropical systems that hit the coast this far south (one moved south into Panama, others have moved west into Nicaragua, but landfalls in Costa Rica are almost unknown). Otto will be more of a rain event than a wind concern, partly because the coast where it will hit is very thinly populated while the heavy rains will spread to more populated areas that tend to be in the central highlands of these two nations.

M.T. Cranium · 25-11-2016 8:36am

Friday, 25 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for widespread freezing fog in central and inland north, west, also in some parts of the southeast. This looks locked in under a strong inversion and may not dissipate for several hours, in fact it may persist right through the day in a few locations. Road conditions will be treacherous where untreated. Visibility may be reduced with very icy conditions. This may start to edge closer to frost-free parts of the east and south before the sun gets high enough to get temperatures moving upward, if travelling, expect some rapid changes in road conditions heading west from Dublin.

TODAY ... Foggy and very cold for many places this morning and for some right through the day, highs could range from -1 to +3 C in this fog. Some parts of the east and south will be partly to mostly cloudy and considerably milder than that with highs 7-10 C. It will be interesting to see how far into the fog the milder conditions can penetrate, some places may change back and forth as fog banks drift around.

TONIGHT ... The freezing fog may become more extensive, lows -7 to -3 C in most places.

SATURDAY to MONDAY ... This calm, frosty spell will continue without enough wind to really shift the inversion or most of the fog, but each day some places (probably more frequently near coasts) will clear to somewhat milder conditions. Overnight lows each day will be around -4 C and highs will range from 3 to 9 C depending on how much the fog dissipates.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY ... Somewhat milder in general in more of a westerly flow, some drizzle or fog from the Atlantic but temperatures generally 2-4 C at night up to about 10 C daytime in moderate westerly breezes. The freezing fog may try to reappear in a few parts of the inland south as higher pressure will build up there.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... At the moment it is the European model's scenario from yesterday that has gained ground on the colder scenarios, in other words, this next high may stagnate over France and permit a weak but generally mild southwest flow but with some instances of frost and fog at night. Some colder air may briefly push through the blocking around 3-5 December. This battle of the weather models may not have reached its conclusion yet, we may be revising this outlook but this for now is what the consensus is showing.

My local weather on Thursday was partly cloudy after a windy overnight and morning period with severe gusts at times to 100 km/hr. The high was about 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 26-11-2016 8:01am

Saturday, 26 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with some brighter intervals, fog in some parts will slowly clear during the morning and frost will ease, highs 5 to 9 C.

TONIGHT ... Rather cloudy but some clear breaks and gradual development of fog, patchy frost. Lows -4 to -1 C inland, near 2 or 3 C around coastal regions.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will continue partly to mostly cloudy and dry with some patchy fog and frost each morning, and a few intervals of sunshine more likely away from the east coast. Lows each day -4 to +2 C and highs 5 to 9 C.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY will be dominated by a renewed high pressure area that will set up over the south in contrast to the current one near Ulster, so instead of light east winds there will be light to moderate westerlies, making it rather mild near the north coast and coldest for the inland south and southeast. Some rather dense fog is likely to form in this spell over southern valleys, with freezing fog a problem. Highs during this period will range from near 10 or 11 C in west and north coast counties, to 2-5 C under fog or low cloud in the inland south, so about 7 C in places like Galway and Dublin. Overnight lows will range from about -3 C inland to +3 C in some coastal sections.

FURTHER OUTLOOK remains uncertain at this point, some hints of colder days to follow around Friday-Saturday 2-3 Dec, but then a more mobile pattern in westerly winds. The next substantial rainfall could be about ten days to two weeks away.

Much the same for Britain although it seems likely that fog will increase there as skies become less overcast, allowing temperatures to fall further.

My local weather on Friday was overcast with a high near 11 C. Rain has just begun and looks to continue all day Saturday here with 20-30 mm likely. This frontal system is going to dig into the previously warm southwestern U.S. and create the first heavy snowfalls of the season over higher parts of the desert southwest like northern Arizona. Then that storm will move into the plains states early next week but most of its energy will be gone and light rain with a mild south wind will be the result.

M.T. Cranium · 27-11-2016 8:58am

Sunday, 27 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Scattered frost and fog mainly in the inland south now should ease fairly quickly and overall it will be milder than recent days for most, or holding about the same where it has been mild, with highs 7-10 C. Skies will be a mixture of cloud, hazy sunshine and drifting fog or low cloud banks. Winds rather light east to southeast 20-40 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Dense fog may form over parts of the inland regions, and it could become freezing fog in a few parts of west Munster and the inland southeast. Lows -2 to +4 C mildest near east coast and in north.

MONDAY to THURSDAY now appear likely to remain very settled and calm with fog most likely to form in the inland south but not ruled out elsewhere as the wind gradient will be light or absent, so with calm conditions once any fog develops it may persist. The freezing aspects of this fog may become less of an issue but could return at some point, so predicting overnight lows will be quite difficult, nearby locations may be quite different in the range of -2 to +4 while highs will also be quite variable in the range of 5 to 11 C. There will be very little wind, calm conditions especially in lower elevations inland. Any frost or freezing fog in this period is more likely to occur in the inland southeast than elsewhere.

FRIDAY to SUNDAY will probably become brighter as a slight gradient develops in the high pressure overhead. During this time frame, cold air will be pushing south into Britain and central Europe (this had been shown affecting Ireland a few days ago) and some of that may indirectly arrive in Ireland by strong cooling at night, so this interval may see some colder nights -4 to +2 C but days will continue in the 6-9 C range.

At the present time, there are more indications of a milder westerly flow developing in December. I have the feeling that this may not last very long as the persistent high is likely to show retrograde (westward) tendencies that will eventually turn the flow more northerly. But for now, the week of 4 to 10 Dec seems likely to be rather mild with some rain returning to the mix and a more normal breezy to windy regime.

My local weather on Saturday featured some persistent rain that probably added up to about 20 mm but was more of a nuisance than a deluge. It was relatively mild at about 10 C and foggy at times too.

A winter storm is developing over higher portions of the western U.S. and snow could be heavy around Flagstaff in northern Arizona and various mountain ranges in Colorado and New Mexico, although it will be mild enough to rain in valleys.

M.T. Cranium · 28-11-2016 8:56am

Monday, 28 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, some light mist or fog at times, in very slack to calm winds. Highs 7-10 C.

TONIGHT ... A few places may become quite foggy where overhead cloud thins out to allow temperatures to fall a few degrees; any fog will therefore signal the approach of near-freezing temperatures. If it stays cloudy then temperatures will likely remain 3-5 C, but with fog temperatures may drop as low as -2 C. Patchy freezing fog may develop in the inland south.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY will remain quite similar with calm winds and mixtures of cloud and hazy clear skies, leading to scattered fog each night. Nights will see lows 2-4 C on average, -2 or lower in one or two spots each night, most likely in the inland south. Days will see highs 6-9 C on average, dense fog could hold those readings down in some places, once again, more likely to be in the inland south.

FRIDAY to SUNDAY the weather will continue rather similar but colder air circulating around the stagnant high and pushing south through Britain, the North Sea and central Europe may seep west to chill the high back down to colder values that will promote more fog at night, then keep daytime temperatures down in some places. But at the same time, it may increase the chance that the cloud will break up to allow more sunshine in other places, generally speaking the temperature range will stay in the vicinity of -2 C at night and 6 C in the daytime with somewhat milder readings likely near Atlantic coasts.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Eventually this block will break down and the Atlantic will provide milder and wetter frontal systems starting around Monday 5th of December. Once the block breaks down, the models will reset and whatever they are showing now beyond middle of next week could change quite a bit, for the time being it looks rather mild for a few days before about the 10th of December.

My local weather continues rather wet, but temperatures have dropped a few degrees to allow the snow line down to about 400m locally. It was quite foggy at times with a high near 8 C. Some snow has been reported as far south as central Arizona as much colder air is pushing in behind a strong low that formed today over Nebraska. This is drawing milder air into the Great Lakes and east coast regions.

M.T. Cranium · 29-11-2016 8:17am

Tuesday, 29 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some frost and fog this morning in the inland east and south, gradually clearing, then a mixture of hazy sun, occasional low cloud, in slack or calm winds. Highs 4-7 C in areas currently frosty, otherwise 7-10 C. New moon occurs today at 12:18 (just after noon) and the moon, while not visible, will be located just above the Sun as it crosses the southern sky.

TONIGHT ... More widespread frost and patchy ice fog is expected throughout the inland south, east and some central counties. Lows -4 to -1 C. It will generally be more overcast and slightly milder in the north and west. Lows 2 to 6 C.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY will continue very similar to today for most. The nights will continue to produce rather widespread frosts, scattered fog or freezing fog, and somewhat milder cloudy intervals for the north and west. Lows will continue -4 to -1 C in much of the south and east, and zero to +4 in the north and west. Days will be more likely to produce sunshine near south and west coasts, but anywhere could see some sunshine, while any morning fog will sometimes be rather slow to disperse and could hang around in a few locations all day, with patchy low cloud and very light winds, highs generally in the range of 4 to 7 C but 7 to 10 C possible near south and west coasts.

FRIDAY to SUNDAY will perhaps see even colder nights, and that may lead to longer foggy or frosty intervals during the daytime in some parts of the inland east, south and central counties. It should stay relatively milder in the west and north although this may be confined to coastal locations at times. Lows will be in the range of -6 to +2 C overall, and highs 3 to 9 C. By Sunday the calm winds will begin to change to a light or moderate southeast breeze that will pick up first near the west coast.

MONDAY and TUESDAY (4-5 Dec) will then turn considerably milder with rain and moderate southwest winds, highs near 10 C and the nights will become frost free although it could remain foggy.

The OUTLOOK for the first half of December is for mainly mild and occasionally windy or unsettled weather, although with a few more settled days in the mix, and temperatures about 1-2 degrees above normal, which would keep highs just below 10 C while nights will average 2-5 C.

This frosty spell has finally dug its claws into BRITAIN with most of the cloud dispersed, temperatures are widely below -5 C this morning and may stay below freezing in some inland parts of England and Wales all day. This may continue for about a week with some variations in where the frost and fog are most severe.

My local weather on Monday was pleasant enough to lure me out to the golf course and it was partly cloudy with a high near 9 C. The snow has become confined to higher peaks in the western U.S. but temperatures are quite cold, the high in Phoenix on Monday was only 14 C. The plains states are relatively mild, heavy rain is falling across the Great Lakes and parts of the inland northeast, and temperatures in those regions are above normal, heading for about 10-15 C today.

M.T. Cranium · 30-11-2016 8:40am

Wednesday, 30 November, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Fog and frost may be slow to clear in parts of the inland southeast, but elsewhere skies will range from hazy sunshine in parts of the south and central counties, to cloudy or misty in parts of the north. Once again, winds will remain very light or calm. Highs will range from 2-5 C in presently foggy areas, to 7-10 C in most other places.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, widespread frost and fog developing, lows in east and south, including most central counties, near -5 C in rural areas and near -2 C in cities. Overcast and about +3 C in some parts of the north and west.

THURSDAY to MONDAY will continue rather similar, with a gradual trend towards less widespread frost and fog after Sunday, and with winds slowly picking up from the southeast across Munster, although it seems likely to remain calm elsewhere until Tuesday. Lows each night around -5 to -2 C for most, zero to +3 C in some parts of the north, and highs generally 3-7 C with a few places near west coast and north coast reaching 9-10 C. There will be some risk of the fog becoming a hazard to driving and persisting in some parts of the inland south throughout some of these days.

TUESDAY will see some light rain spreading across the west, in moderate southeast winds. It may remain dry in the east with less disruption of the frosty conditions. Highs will range from 5 C in the east to 11 C in west Munster and coastal Connacht.

OUTLOOK for the following few days (7-10 Dec) ... further outbreaks of light rain and moderate southerly winds in western regions, but the cold, dry air mass will try to maintain a foothold in Britain and may continue to hold the Atlantic moisture at bay for eastern counties of Ireland. Beyond that, a greater variation is likely with the risk of some colder northerly episodes developing.

Severe cold and fog are widespread in Britain and west-central Europe today, expect some travel disruptions as a result. This may continue for several days.

My local weather on Tuesday was mostly cloudy but dry, with highs near 7 C. Wind and rain are approaching with a strong front expected to pass later tonight local time.

M.T. Cranium · 01-12-2016 9:11am

Thursday, 1st of December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Frost and fog may be slow to clear in parts of the inland southeast and central counties, holding temperatures down to afternoon highs of 2-5 C, but some other locations in the south coast, west and north will be milder with highs 8-10 C. Winds will continue to be very light or calm.

TONIGHT ... Widespread frost and fog, some freezing fog making roads slippery or icy, lows -5 to -2 C. A few coastal fringes will remain above freezing, especially in south Kerry and Donegal. Lows there may hold at 2-4 C.

FRIDAY to SUNDAY will remain similar although by Sunday the frost and fog may disperse faster as breezes begin to mix down some milder air which has been overhead throughout this cold spell down at the surface. Highs each day will range from about 3 C in some inland valleys, to 10 C near some outer coasts, a likely average for Dublin would be about 7 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, milder for most, lows -2 to +3 and highs 7-10 C.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY will be milder and breezy, highs 8-11 C west, and about 7-9 C east. Nights will become mostly free of frost but some fog and mist will continue, along with occasional light rain, in moderate southerly winds of 40-60 km/hr.

Next Thursday and Friday (8-9 Dec) will become rather windy with heavier rain at times, highs 8-11 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Charts are beginning to look rather stormy by about the 12th to 14th. There may be a complete change from these calm conditions to very windy weather around then. Temperatures may start out fairly mild but could drop steadily near the end of this stormier period.

My local weather on Wednesday was cloudy but mainly dry once the overnight rain ended, and the highs were about 8 C. A strong storm is moving through the Great Lakes region and heavy rain there has been accompanied by some thunder and gusty winds. Some very windy conditions are expected in about a week to ten days in that region as well.

M.T. Cranium · 02-12-2016 8:14am

Friday, 2 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Scattered fog and frost in parts of the south will gradually clear away to partly cloudy or overcast skies while other locations will have cloudy intervals with some hazy sunshine at times. Highs generally 7-9 C but could be held down to about 4-5 C in a few places by persistent low cloud or fog.

TONIGHT ... Isolated frost and fog becoming more widespread after midnight but some coastal and northern areas should remain frost free, lows will be about -3 to +1 C for most.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY will remain similar although by Sunday the frost and fog may disperse faster as breezes begin to mix down some milder air which has been overhead throughout this cold spell down at the surface. Highs each day will range from about 3 C in some inland valleys, to 10 C near some outer coasts, a likely average for Dublin would be about 7 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, milder for most, lows -2 to +3 and highs 7-10 C.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY will be milder and breezy, highs 8-11 C west, and about 7-9 C east. Nights will become mostly free of frost but some fog and mist will continue, along with occasional light rain, in moderate southerly winds of 40-60 km/hr.

Next Thursday and Friday (8-9 Dec) will become rather windy with heavier rain at times, highs 8-11 C.

Some guidance is showing a stronger low developing near southern England by weekend 10th-11th of December, how this may affect Ireland remains to be seen but most guidance does begin to look quite active by mid-month. I have the feeling that it will turn colder near the end of this active period, or before the 20th, for at least a few days before Christmas.

My local weather on Thursday featured some sunny breaks and drifting fog where we get the strange light effects of the sun reflecting off higher parts of large buildings, but this eventually turned to a bland overcast with highs near 7 C.

M.T. Cranium · 03-12-2016 8:20am

Saturday, 3 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, a little patchy drizzle but dry most of the time, milder in all areas by afternoon, highs 8-11 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, misty, lows 1-4 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with some hazy sunshine at times, moderate southeast winds, feeling rather cold due to the wind picking up but temperatures about the same as today, 8-11 C.

MONDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, lows 2-5 C and highs 8-12 C. Rain may spread into far west by evening. Winds southeast 30-50 km/hr.

TUESDAY ... Breezy, mild with rain mostly confined to western counties, lows about 5 C and highs about 11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rather mild for the rest of the week, heavier rain likely around Thursday, highs 9-12 C.

My local weather on Friday was dark, dreary, damp, deluge-prone and close to disastrous, high about 8 C. Colder air is moving in and the snow line is coming slowly down towards sea level.

M.T. Cranium · 04-12-2016 8:16am

Sunday, 4th December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, any chance of sunny breaks would be greater in Ulster and north Leinster. There may be a few intervals of drizzly light rain across Munster as a very weak disturbance drifts northwest, but it may just remain cloudy and dry in some places. Highs will be generally 8-10 C in moderate southeast winds 30-50 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Some clearing may allow isolated frost and fog to form in the inland north, otherwise overcast and lows 2-5 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny breaks, moderate southeast winds 40-60 km/hr and highs 9-11 C.

TUESDAY ... Rain at times, heavier in west (10-20 mm), southerly winds 50-70 km/hr, morning lows near 5 C and highs 10-12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly cloudy, mild, lows near 6 C and highs near 11 C.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY will bring more rain and gusty south to southwest winds, highs will reach 10-13 C.

OUTLOOK for NEXT WEEKEND ... Rain at times, and it may turn slightly cooler with highs in the 7-9 C range.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... While rather uncertain, a windy and perhaps stormy period seems likely to develop around the middle of the week following, mark 12-14 Dec down as a possible stormy interval with strong winds the most likely threat, while it may be too mild for snow, temperatures could be falling during this period and wintry showers could enter the forecast picture.

My local weather on Saturday was rather bland and mainly dry, although quite overcast with drizzle at times, and a high near 7 C . We are expecting it to turn steadily colder here during the next three days with a risk of snow at low elevations by Sunday night.

M.T. Cranium · 05-12-2016 8:20am

Monday, 5 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, moderate southeast winds 30-50 km/hr, and patchy drizzle near some coasts. Highs 8-11 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, some light rain on outer portions of west coast, mild with southerly breezes, lows 4-7 C.

TUESDAY ... Occasional rain mainly confined to west coast, highs 10-12 C, southerly breezes 40-60 km/hr.

WEDNESDAY ... Mostly cloudy, occasional light rain, lows near 7 C and highs near 11 C. Moderate south to southwest winds, 50-70 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... Rain may become somewhat heavier in west and later in other regions, southerly winds 50-70 km/hr and highs near 12 C.

OUTLOOK ... Continuing rather mild and unsettled through next weekend, then a more variable and possibly stormy (at times) interval with the risk of strong winds, temperatures falling back to more average values of 5-8 C.

My local weather on Sunday was sunny and cold (3 deg) with a strong westerly wind, and overnight there have been reports of scattered flurries with heavier snow in the local mountains. Colder air is spreading to many parts of central and eastern North America as well, in advance of what looks like a very cold outbreak later this week.

M.T. Cranium · 06-12-2016 8:21am

Tuesday, 6 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Overcast, mild, rain heavier near Atlantic coast (about 15 mm there, only 3-7 mm eastern counties). Highs 10-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Foggy, mild, a little more rain in some places, lows 7-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Breezy, mostly cloudy, light rain at times, highs near 11 C. Winds southwest 40-60 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... Mostly cloudy, mild. Intermittent light rain near Atlantic coasts, lows near 7 C and highs near 11 C.

FRIDAY ... Rain at times, mild. Highs near 12 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy, somewhat cooler, lows 2-5 C and highs 7-10 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud, rain developing, highs near 11 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Windy at times early next week, highs near 10 C, and more rain is likely, followed by a colder and drying trend past mid-month. At this point, the degree of cooling appears moderate and temperatures will likely settle around 5-7 C with light frosts returning to the picture.

My local weather on Monday featured a heavy wet snowfall of about 8-10 cms with more on local hills, temperatures steady about 0 to 2 C, but with clearing skies tonight we're expecting lows near -2 C and what's left of this snow turning partly to ice. Very cold in western Canada in general, heavy snow falling across the eastern prairies and parts of North Dakota. This colder air is heading for the east coast by about Thursday after some rain turning to sleet there today and Wednesday.

M.T. Cranium · 07-12-2016 8:35am

Wednesday, 7 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Very mild, temperatures likely to remain steady 12-15 C then fall off slightly during the afternoon after passage of a weak front with an interval of rain, moderate south to southwest winds 50-70 km/hr at times. About 5 mm of rain in some places.

TONIGHT ... Partial clearing, fog patches. Lows 4-7 C.

THURSDAY ... Some morning sunny or at least brighter intervals, then mostly cloudy, mild. Intermittent light rain near Atlantic coasts by late in the day, with highs near 11 C.

FRIDAY ... Rain at times, mild. Lows 5-9 C and highs near 12 C. Gusty southwest winds especially for northwest coastal regions where gusts to 90 km/hr are possible.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy across northern counties, with some morning showery rain in south and southeast coastal counties, generally somewhat cooler, lows 2-5 C and highs 7-10 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud, rain developing, highs near 11 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Windy at times early next week, highs 10-12 C, with more rain likely, followed by a colder and drying trend past mid-month. At this point, the degree of cooling appears moderate and temperatures will likely settle around 5-7 C with light frosts returning to the picture. Models are somewhat scattered on details, higher pressure seems to be a theme but it could build from the central Atlantic or from central Europe depending on whether large-scale patterns stay similar or possibly begin to shift west (retrograde motion) -- I think the chances are fairly good that the Christmas holiday period will be somewhat colder than average with the chance of some kind of stronger disturbance around the 27th to 29th. No very definite signs about Christmas eve or day snowfall potential yet, so for the time being will suggest not very likely but possible in a few northern areas.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny and cold most of the day, the snow from Monday remained on the ground and side roads and pavements were icy, and highs were about -1 C. It looks as though we will have a heavy snowfall here on Thursday night and Friday morning, speculation is 10-20 cms.

M.T. Cranium · 08-12-2016 8:37am

Thursday, 8 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rain soon clearing the east coast, then a partly cloudy and mild day with increasing cloud by late afternoon in western counties, some rain by evening there. Highs 11-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, a few intervals of rain, mild, lows 8-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Breezy, very mild, rain (5-15 mm), winds southwest 40-70 km/hr. Highs 11-14 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, somewhat cooler, isolated showers. Lows 4-7 C and highs 8-11 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud, mild, lows 3-6 C and highs 10-13 C.

MONDAY and TUESDAY will continue mild with occasional rain, possibly an interval of stronger southwest winds (more likely for the north). Lows 7-10 C and highs 11-13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Somewhat cooler by mid-week, highs generally 6-9 C but could briefly reach 10-12 C as lows pass to north, occasional rain to the weekend of 17th-18th. A more variable and sometimes colder pattern seems likely to follow that in the lead up to Christmas. The chances for any snow around the holiday seem at least as good as average if not a bit better seeing the trend.

My local weather on Wednesday was sunny and quite cold, snow and ice have remained in place, and highs were only about -1 C. Overnight temperatures are ranging from -5 C in the city to -10 C in nearby rural areas. And there's more snow on the way here Thursday night. Meanwhile, blizzard conditions have closed roads in North Dakota, Manitoba, northern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario. Behind that is a frigid arctic air mass with temperatures near -30 C in parts of Alberta and northern Saskatchewan. That frigid air is heading for the eastern U.S. over the weekend, and snow will follow for the Midwest. Heavy lake effect snow squalls will develop today and tomorrow in the Great Lakes region.

M.T. Cranium · 09-12-2016 8:28am

Friday, 9 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mild and increasingly windy with a few intervals of light rain, followed by partly cloudy skies moving into western counties before dark. Highs 12-15 C. Winds southwest 50-70 km/hr but with stronger gusts to 90 km/hr around mid-day in exposed coastal areas.

TONIGHT ... Partial clearing and a bit cooler, lows 4-8 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers most likely in northwest, and moderate westerly breezes 40-60 km/hr. Highs 9-12 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud, rain may edge into western counties by late in the day, morning lows 2-5 C with patchy frost, and afternoon highs turning milder again with highs 11-14 C.

MONDAY ... Intervals of rain (10-15 mm on average), moderate southerly winds of about 60-80 km/hr, lows near 7 C and highs near 12 C.

TUESDAY ... Rain, drizzle, fog, turning somewhat cooler in west by late afternoon, temperatures steady 8-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Breezy, colder, temperatures 4-7 C with variable cloud and passing showers.

THURSDAY ... Another milder interval with rain, highs near 11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Turning colder around Friday 16th with a generally colder trend although details remain very sketchy -- some signs of a highly variable period in a fast westerly flow, but other models are still trying to establish a European high closer to Britain and Ireland that could send its own brand of chill similar to the late November setup (although nothing that strong is shown yet). With an extremely cold pattern certain to develop over North America, the jet stream is bound to be energized and I suspect that forecast models will be scrambling to adjust to the details of whatever storms develop off the east coast of the U.S. as a result.

My local weather continues very cold, snow is on the doorstep after a clear day with temperatures near -1 C. Strong "outflow" winds are going to keep any weak push of milder air off to the south and 10-20 cms of snow seems likely by this time tomorrow. Extreme cold covers almost all of Canada and the northern third of the U.S., and once this Pacific storm moves inland over the weekend, a strong low will form in the central plains states and move to New England, creating a snowstorm across the Great Lakes and inland northeast. Even colder air will move south behind that, anyone travelling to the eastern U.S. or Canada in the next week or so should expect temperatures well below average and far below last year's balmy Christmas (it was near 20 C then, likely to hit -15 C in the same places this week).

M.T. Cranium · 10-12-2016 8:27am

Saturday, 10 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

Mild until about Wednesday, then possibly turning colder; two of three major models show a return to the late November high pressure setup, but a third shows variable and windy conditions in the days leading up to Christmas

TODAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy, just a few isolated showers mainly near the northwest coasts, winds westerly 40-60 km/hr. Highs 9-11 C.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, rather cold with isolated patchy frost, lows 1-4 C.

SUNDAY ... A few sunny intervals, increasing cloud by afternoon, highs 8-10 C east and 10-13 C west. Rain by evening in Atlantic coastal counties.

MONDAY ... Some rain likely, mild with southerly winds 50-70 km/hr. Lows 4-7 C and highs 10-13 C.

TUESDAY ... A few showers or intervals of light rain, lows 3-6 C and highs 9-11 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Rain ending, breezy, highs near 10 C.

OUTLOOK ... As mentioned in our (rare) headline, two of the three models that I regularly consult are showing the Azores high transferring rapidly to beef up a weak European high somewhere in the vicinity of Britain and France; this would gradually create a return to colder weather at least at night, and for some places in the daytime hours, with inversion conditions and fog. But a third model is holding to the fast westerly train of disturbances. It also turns colder at times but would be somewhat milder than the high pressure scenario. Which is right? Maybe neither -- when these models go off on two separate paths like this, reality can sometimes be a third, unforeseen outcome, such as a cold northerly. I do suspect that the high pressure outcome is more likely, in part because the most similar autumn I could find on the charts had that same sequence in December.

So rather than a forecast as we usually place in the outlook section, I will have to go with probability, and say that there is perhaps a 50-50 chance of the high developing (it will also have to be close enough to Ireland to clamp down an inversion, otherwise, we just see a change from mild/showery to mild/dry). The chance of a continued mild and unsettled pattern is perhaps 30 per cent, and the other 20 per cent would be one of those wild card outcomes that would probably start to show up on the charts soon. Why this uncertainty? It's not that unusual at eight to ten days, part of the problem is the focus on the approaching holiday period making our outlook forecast more relevant to more people than usual. But also, the atmosphere sometimes locks into patterns that seem easier for the models to run for a week or two; when three or four models all show the same outcome, quite often we have a high degree of confidence in that shared outlook. But this divergence seems to happen maybe three or four times a year on this sort of scale.

Oddly, the models are very much in agreement on what happens over North America in the same time frame; cold outbreaks of massive arctic high pressure from Alaska and the Yukon all the way southeast to the eastern U.S. will continue with snow events from time to time (rain in the Gulf coast states). My local weather on Friday eventually delivered most of the expected snow, and it continues to fall albeit rather sleety and foggy at -1 C. The roads have been a bit of a challenge all day even though plenty of road treatment was done before and during the event (storm might be too strong a word, more of a 24-hour nuisance snow but in a hilly city full of new drivers, that's more than enough for chaos). Extreme cold continues in other parts of western Canada, currently near -30 C in much of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Our snowfall event will feed into a developing low near Denver over the weekend and that will drop 15-25 cms of snow in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes region by Monday.

M.T. Cranium · 11-12-2016 8:29am

Sunday, 11 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Isolated frost in west Munster should clear rapidly, as the day begins with widespread sunny intervals, increasing cloud by afternoon, with highs 8-10 C east and 10-13 C west. Rain will edge onto land by evening in Atlantic coastal counties.

TONIGHT ... Intermittent light rain mostly over western counties, lows 4-7 C.

MONDAY ... Some rain likely, mild with southerly winds 50-70 km/hr. Lows 4-7 C and highs 10-13 C. Rain continuing overnight in the east, amounts by Tuesday morning about 10-15 mm.

TUESDAY ... There will be a break between fronts with some sunny spells developing, followed by a few showers or intervals of light rain, lows 3-6 C and highs 9-11 C. This rain will also persist through most of the night in the east.

WEDNESDAY ... Rain ending, breezy, lows 3-5 C and highs 8-10 C.

THURSDAY ... Overcast, light rain at times, highs 7 to 10 C, moderate southerly winds, fog likely. This frontal system has the potential to become strong but seems to be trying to establish itself just about when high pressure to the southwest begins to link up with European high pressure; the result is that it won't be drawing in much mild air compared to the previous few systems.

OUTLOOK ... The chances of a cool or possibly cold dry spell have increased; yesterday I mentioned that two out of three models liked the high pressure (and the scented hair spray) but now they all like it and only details on timing and intensity remain as differences, so it would appear that the days leading up to Christmas may be settled, rather cold especially inland, with the possibility of frost and fog returning to the weather picture. It may not be as marked a cold spell as we saw in late November but with nights even longer now, lows could easily reach about -3 C in this sort of setup, days would vary from about 3 C inland under low cloud or fog, to 8 C near some coasts where it might be pleasantly sunny.

This is still not quite a "done deal" so stay tuned; also, Christmas is still two weeks away and this spell may be breaking down by then. I think there would be a good chance of windy and possibly stormy conditions developing a few days after Christmas so the entire holiday week may not be settled.

My local weather on Saturday saw wet snow turning to light rain and drizzle, but the snow continued on nearby hills and further inland where they now have almost 30 cms on the ground. Here, the previous 15 cms remains, as temperatures only struggled up to about 1 or 2 deg. The severe cold continues inland all the way east to Quebec now, while a storm develops later today over Colorado bringing heavy snow and possible blizzard conditions to the central plains states, somewhat further south than last week's storm across North Dakota. This will extend the snow pack south across most of Iowa, Nebraska and northern Illinois. Heavy lake effect snow will ease as winds go calm ahead of this developing storm. This low will drag along some heavy rain for parts of the mid-Atlantic states that could turn to sleet and freezing rain over higher inland valleys. That mixture will then show up around New York City and Boston by late Monday (probably all rain in the cities but mixtures in the regions nearby).

M.T. Cranium · 12-12-2016 8:08am

Monday, 12 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, outbreaks of light rain will be followed by periods of heavier rain moving across the country by afternoon into the evening for eastern counties. Highs 10-12 C. Some fog is likely to develop during the rain.

TONIGHT ... Rain ending in western counties but continuing in the east, total amounts about 15 mm. Lows 6-9 C.

TUESDAY ... Morning sunny intervals (once the eastern rain clears) and afternoon cloud, further rain will develop late in the day and overnight. Highs about 10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Rain to showers, partly cloudy later in the day, lows near 4 C and highs near 9 or 10 C.

THURSDAY ... Rain at times (5-10 mm), gusty south winds developing, lows about 5 C and highs 8-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and colder, passing showers more frequent in west, winds westerly 40-60 km/hr. Lows near 3 C and highs near 7 C.

OUTLOOK ... Gradually becoming more settled, temperatures will likely remain near mid-December normal values in west and north, but could be somewhat on the cold side at times in the east and south which will be closer to high pressure over Britain next weekend and into the week before Christmas. This settled pattern may break down into showery frontal passages and more of a northerly flow near Christmas which may mean a touch of snow possible on northern hills; current indications are for temperatures around 6-8 C for most of the country in the holiday period but 4-6 C in the north.

My local weather was rather horrible (again) with a very cold drenching rain that sometimes mixed with ice pellets; heavy snow fell not far away either at higher elevations or further inland. Heavy snow also fell across the midwest U.S. into the lower Great Lakes region. An intense cold wave is developing and will sweep south during the next few days to cover most of North America.

M.T. Cranium · 13-12-2016 8:19am

Tuesday, 13 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rain clearing from east this morning then partly to mostly cloudy, further showers developing, heavier rain by late in the day, highs 10-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain (10-15 mm) and fog developing, turning rather cold in western counties after midnight, lows 3-7 C west, 7-9 C east. Full moon at 00:06 (just after midnight) will likely not be visible except perhaps towards morning in west.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly cloudy, passing showers, cool. Highs 7-9 C at best, could be held to 5-7 C in parts of north.

THURSDAY ... Rather cold to start, lows 0-3 C east, 3-6 C west, then increasing cloud but bright intervals during the morning in east, rain gradually spreading into west by afternoon, moderate southerly winds and highs about 7-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Partly cloudy and rather cold, morning lows -1 to +3 C and afternoon highs 6-9 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Partly cloudy, some local frosts more widespread in south and central counties, lows -2 to +3 C , highs 6-10 C, mildest in north and west.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The settled spell may last to about Tuesday 20th then it could turn rather windy with showers and gusty southwest winds just before Christmas, then possibly turning colder around Christmas Eve. Temperatures will probably peak at around 9 or 10 C around the 23rd before turning colder again.

My local weather featured some heavy wet snow in the early morning hours, with about 10 cm added to the 15 cm of partially frozen slushy snow already on the ground, highs around +1 C, and then skies slowly cleared as we get further into an advancing cold air mass that is spreading out in all directions from a base in western Canada.

M.T. Cranium · 14-12-2016 8:23am

Wednesday, 14 December, 2016

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rain will continue at least through the morning in most of Leinster and east Ulster, and will then taper off to drizzle during the afternoon. Further west, partial clearance with sunny breaks more frequent near Atlantic coasts, highs for most 8 or 9 C. About 10-15 mm further rain is possible in south Leinster.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, sharp frost developing, lows -3 to +2 C. Foggy at times especially in eastern valleys after the late ending rain leaves ground saturated. Freezing fog and black ice problems may develop before the morning; watch for alerts.

THURSDAY ... Increasing high cloud will dim any sunshine during the morning, rain will develop across western counties during the afternoon, and rain will then continue most of the night in all regions (10-15 mm). Highs 7-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Partly cloudy, colder, passing showers more frequent near northwest coasts. Lows 1-3 C and highs 7-9 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, some heavy frost and fog likely inland south and east, lows there -4 to -1 C, further west and north lows -2 to +3 C, patchy frost; then some sunshine could develop once low cloud or fog dissipate, highs will range from 5 to 9 C.

SUNDAY ... Frosty to start, some hazy sunshine later, a bit milder especially in Connacht and Ulster, lows -2 to +3 C and highs 8-11 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy to overcast, light rain at times, lows 1-3 C and highs 8-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Becoming more unsettled towards mid-week, and possibly windy or even stormy around 23rd or 24th, then turning colder ... some guidance suggests that it will be quite wintry by Christmas Eve and Day, but we'll wait and see if these charts continue to appear before getting too definite about how cold, for now would expect a peak of about 10 C around 23rd and then falling to about 3-7 C during the holidays. If it got a little colder than that, snow showers might be in the mix. The wind could peak around 100 km/hr in gusts by about 23rd or 24th; here again, there is some potential for even stronger winds.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny, very cold to start (about -5 C) and not much warmer at mid-day (-2 C) as all the recent snow remains frozen and in place. Unlike most Canadian cities, the Vancouver philosophy on snow clearance is basically to wait for a thaw, so side streets are icy and some sidewalks are also, but most people have cleared them by now, so getting around is a bit treacherous for the elderly. The more severe cold continues inland all the way to the east coast now, and a major storm will develop by about Friday over the central Rockies, moving to the lower Great Lakes with heavy snow and freezing rain bands this coming weekend.

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

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