Ireland is set to see further mild conditions in the lead up to Christmas as high pressure dominates across Northwest Europe.
However, Met Eireann has predicted a drop in temperatures on Christmas Eve as frost and fog develop, especially during the night as Santa travels around the world delivering presents.
The country has experienced milder than usual conditions over the past few days, with things set to remain similar in the days before Christmas until wintery conditions arrive on Wednesday.
The national forecaster said from Friday until Thursday next week: “High pressure will be the dominant influence across Northwest Europe during this seven day period with near or slightly below average temperatures across the country of Ireland.
“As the settled spell continues, much drier than usual conditions are expected in across the country too. However, with fairly slack winds, frost and fog will develop at times, especially early in the period.
“There is a chance that high pressure cell may weaken later in the period.”
From Christmas until the new year, high pressure is likely to remain in situ, feeding in a predominantly east to southeast airflow across Ireland.
Met Eireann said: “Overall a continuation of a settled theme can be expected but it is likely to turn colder, with ongoing frost and fog development, especially after dark.”
For those heading out and about over the coming week to collect a few last-minute gifts, morning fog and patchy drizzle can be expected.
Saturday will be largely dry and mostly cloudy with a few brighter breaks. A little patchy mist or drizzle is possible, but mainly on southern coasts or over hills.
Any lingering overnight fog will be slow to clear on Sunday morning, and it will be cloudy with dry weather for most areas. However, there may be some drizzle in southern and eastern coastal regions.
Monday will be another largely dry and cloudy day, aside from some patchy coastal drizzle. A little colder too, with highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees.
Tuesday will stay dry and mostly cloudy, with some occasional brighter periods.
Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees in mainly light southeast breezes.
Although, things will turn cooler overnight, with frost likely as temperatures decrease to around freezing.
The mainly dry weather is expected to continue through much of Wednesday.
A gradual breakdown of the high pressure is likely to follow, with signs of rain moving in from the southwest and possibly turning colder.
