Unseasonably Warm Christmas Gives Way to Chilly New Year’s in Ireland
Ireland enjoyed one of the warmest Christmases on record, with temperatures soaring far above average. Shannon Airport recorded a balmy 12.9 degrees Celsius (55.22 degrees Fahrenheit) on Christmas Day, while temperatures across the country remained well above the typical 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees fahrenheit) for this time of year.
This unusually mild weather extended into st. Stephen’s Day (december 26th) and was expected to continue into the new year, according to Met Éireann, the Irish Meteorological Service. St. Stephen’s Day brought mostly cloudy skies with some rain and drizzle,but temperatures remained pleasant,ranging from 10 to 12 degrees Celsius (50 to 53.6 degrees fahrenheit) – ideal conditions for festive outdoor activities.
Even heavy fog in south Dublin, which initially threatened to disrupt the Leopardstown race meeting on Thursday, cleared enough to allow the races to proceed after a course inspection.
While the mild weather is expected to persist through the weekend, a significant change is on the horizon. Met Éireann forecaster michelle Dillon predicted a dramatic shift to much colder conditions by New Year’s Eve.
“Monday will be a windy day with rain in the north and northwest. That rain will move down the country,” Dillon said. “New Year’s Eve day will not be too cold, but the winds will swing around to the north and will gradually turn much colder. By New Year’s Day you will have maximum temperatures of just 1 to 4 degrees (33.8 to 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit) and the same for the following day.”
The plummeting temperatures will be accompanied by a drop in nighttime lows. Dillon warned:
“By New Year’s Eve night we can see temperatures of between zero and minus three (26.6 degrees Fahrenheit). There will be some precipitation, especially in coastal parts, so you might see frost, ice, and some wintry showers, but the details will change closer to the time.”
This shift in weather patterns serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather, even in relatively mild climates. While the unusually warm Christmas provided a pleasant surprise, the upcoming cold snap underscores the importance of preparedness as temperatures plunge across Ireland.
