ALERT: Weather expert warns 'proper cold blast' likely to impact Ireland early in new year

One of Ireland's leading weather experts is warning Ireland could be impacted by a cold snap early in the new year as temperatures are set to drop significantly below zero.

In a series of posts on social media, Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather says there are strong indications that the start of 2026 will be extremely cold across the country, next weekend.

"A cold start is looking more likely on the weather models and it could bring some proper cold with temperatures well below normal," he said.

While it's too early to predict any snowfall with certainty, the weather expert says a 'proper cold blast' is looking more likely, across Ireland, from around January 4 (Saturday).

The ECMWF ensembles clearly show the forecast drop in upper temperatures from later in the coming week. Largely dry looking at moment also. A proper little taste of Winter looks more likely. Check the oil tanks. pic.twitter.com/3wYlMRVwz7

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 28, 2025

If there is heavy snowfall, like that which was experienced in January of this year, the re-opening of some schools following the Christmas break may be impacted.

READ ALSO: When are the bank holidays in Ireland over Christmas and in 2026?

Meanwhile, in its latest forecast, Met Éireann says temperatures next weekend are likely to drop as low as -4 or -5.

"Turning colder again next Friday and over the weekend as we move through the first week of January but with high pressure nearby, many places will stay dry. However, showers may spread from the north at times with the potential for some wintry precipitation," reads the forecast which will be updated over the coming days.

Rather cloudy this afternoon, staying mostly dry, some patches of drizzle near southern coasts☁️

Highs of 4 to 9C pic.twitter.com/EChUzEF8fp

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 28, 2025

In the short term, the forecaster says it will be rather cloudy this Sunday but will be mostly dry, though there will be some patches of drizzle will near southern coasts.

Highest temperatures of 4 to 8 or 9 degrees in a mostly light northeast breeze can be expected - more moderate at times near some eastern and southern coasts.

Sunday night will be mostly dry and cloudy with the chance of isolated drizzle patches, mainly in the east and south. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees, but a little less cold near some eastern coasts, in a light northeast or variable breeze.

Remaining largely cloudy and dry on Monday, though with a few patches of light rain and drizzle. It will be brighter in Ulster and north Connacht with sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees in a light to moderate northeast breeze.