Weather phenomenon La Nina could bring colder winter months to Ireland, according to the UK's Met Office.
The phenomenon occurs once every few years and disrupts normal weather patterns around the world.
And Ireland could be hit with a much colder start to winter and stormier second period of the season if long range forecasters are correct.
Prof. Adam Scaife, head of long range prediction at the UK's Met Office, said: "La Niña has a profound effect on weather across the globe with us even seeing impacts that extend across the UK.
"In late autumn and early winter it historically promotes high pressure in the mid-Atlantic, which stops Atlantic weather systems from delivering mild air to the UK, and therefore can allow cold conditions to intensify.
"However, in late winter La Niña can drive a shift of the jet stream towards the Poles increasing storminess and heavy rainfall, while bringing milder conditions."
A number of weeks ago Met Eireann acknowledged the weather event and how it could change the conditions here in Ireland.
They wrote on Twitter: "A La Niña event has been declared, how does this affect us? La Niña does not always impact our weather but it can intensify the north Atlantic jet. A strong jet over Ireland can bring cool, unsettled conditions."
However, Met Eireann have made no such long range forecasts so far with the winter months being typically unpredictable.
