Storm Caroline to bring arctic air across the country

Storm Caroline which is making all the headlines will be less of a wind event for the midlands, and will see plunging temperatures instead, with an increased risk of hail, sleet and snow from Thursday evening into the weekend.

The worst of the winds from storm Caroline will be concentrated in northern Scotland and the north west coast of Ireland. The midlands will experience maximum winds speeds of 80kph in exposed areas only.

According to Cathal Nolan of the Midland Weather Channell, today is to be mild due to the south westerlies and sub tropical tempetatures, going to 13 degrees in most places, but tonight will see major changes occur, with heavy rain falling this evening and late into tonight. 

Thursday will see arctic air flow in across the country, and as they day goes on temperatures will fall instead of rise, falling to 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, but it will feel more like -3 to -4 degrees due to gale force winds of 80kph. 

Tomorrow evening, showers will become more widespread and turn wintry bringing a slight covering of snow to parts of Westmeath throughout Thursday night into Friday morning.

Friday will feel bitterly cold, temperatures rising to just 2 and 3 degrees, and as winds ease off it will feel more like -1. Showers will also ease off and it will become dry and bright. Night time temperatures will fall to as low as -5 degrees.

Saturday will be mostly calm with some good sunny spells, with temperatures rising to 4 - 5 degrees during the day, and falling to -2 to -3 at night.

Sunday will see another weather system push in from the Atlantic, bringing wet weather that may fall as sleet or snow in the midlands.

It will briefly turn milder for a spell before reverting back to bitterly cold temperatures throughout next week. Motorists are asked to take care on the roads over the next week and a half as icy conditions will persist throughout the period in the run up to Christmas.