Long range forecast shows freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall

Ireland could be in for some severe weather according to Irish Weather Online (IWO), due to start on Sunday February 25, and expected to last for at least a week.

While it is still a while away and the exact details have yet to be firmed up, the IWO team say temperatures will fall well below freezing most nights, down to as far as -7, with a strong possibility of snow in the east.

"On the most reliable models that are real jaw-droppers for snowfall potential," said Peter O'Donnell of IWO.

Saturday will see a gradual drop in temperature in terms of colder air arriving from the east, while Sunday is more likely to be turn colder in stages with temperatures falling sharply by afternoon and evening as stronger east winds develop (40 to 60 km/hr). 

Monday February 26 to Wednesday February 28, as winds develop an "arctic easterly flow", temperatures will probably be well below normal, with highs of just -2 to +2 C,  and lows -7 C. Heavy snow showers are quite possible especially near east and south coasts, that could have disruptive potential.

The further oulook calls for this wintry spell to continue according to the IWO, with the European model showing potential for a heavy snowfall around March 1-2.

"If it does snow heavily in some areas and then clears, temperatures could drop well below -8 C over snow in clear skies. The overall effects of this spell could be quite disruptive to travel," says Peter.

- Stayed tuned for more updates