Ireland is set for a New Year’s Eve like no other amid growing concern about rising Covid-19 cases.
Many of us will be ringing in the New Year in our slippers, due to restrictions on hospitality and household visits.
However anyone preparing to spend the evening outdoors will be in a for a surprise as Met Eireann is forecasting unusually mild temperatures.
The national forecaster says Friday night will be “extremely mild” with temperatures reaching up to 14C.
Its latest forecast reads: “Rather windy today with mostly fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds. Generally dry for daylight hours with sunny spells developing.
“However, the morning will bring a little showery rain with scattered outbreaks of rain moving in through the evening hours.
“Very mild for the time of year with top temperatures of 12C to 14C.
“Becoming increasingly windy tonight with strengthening southerly winds and gale force winds near coastal areas. Scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle will move up across the country too, heaviest later in the night.
“Extremely mild with lowest overnight temperatures of 12C to 14C.”
It comes as a nationwide weather advisory remains in place until Saturday.
What do you think of the unusually mild weather? Have your say in the comments below.
It reads: “This week will be wet across Ireland. Spells of rain, which will be heavy at times, coupled with already saturated soils may lead to localised flooding.
“It will be windy at times also.”
Ireland is set to start the New Year with wet and windy weather.
Met Eireann says: “An unsettled start to 2022, with possible localised flooding and high winds at times too.
“After some very mild weather it will begin to turn colder with possible frost and ice.”
Here’s the latest Met Eireann forecast:
Saturday, January 1
Rather windy on New Year's Day with scattered outbreaks of showery rain, heaviest across Atlantic counties with possible lightning here. Some sunny spells too with driest conditions further to the east. Mild with top afternoon values ranging 11C to 14C in mostly fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds.
Breezy with showery falls of rain, mainly affecting Atlantic counties and turning heavier through the course of the night. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 9C, in moderate to fresh southwest winds.
Sunday, January 2
Showers will become widespread through the morning and afternoon. However, some sunny spells will develop into the afternoon with showers mainly confined to Atlantic coasts. Highest temperatures will range a seasonal 8C to 10C. Rather breezy with fairly brisk west to southwest winds.
A mix of clear spells and scattered showers on Sunday night, with showers most frequent in western areas. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 7C in moderate to fresh southwesterly winds.
Monday, January 3
Rather windy and showery with possible hail and lightning. Highest temperatures of 8C or 9C generally, in fresh to strong and gusty cyclonic variable, mainly southwesterly winds.
Tuesday, January 4
Similar temperatures with improving conditions and spells of bright winter sunshine developing. Very cold after-dark though with a widespread sharp to severe frost, and some icy stretches.
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