Latest Laois News: Siberian freeze hits and Laois weather turns cold

SNOW SHOWERS COMMENCING THIS AFTERNOON

HEAVY SNOW COUNTRYWIDE THURSDAY

COLD SPELL SET TO REMAIN

Please Share. Forecast courtesy of Ireland’s Weather Channel

There have been some light snow flurries in parts of the northeast of the country this morning, however these showers are forecast to intensify and become more widespread across the northern half of Leinster and southeast Ulster during the afternoon and evening, leading to a covering of snow in some areas by tonight. Overnight tonight and throughout tomorrow the showers will continue to intensify and increase in their frequency, forming bands of more persistent snow for a time and resulting in some moderate accumulations of snow in some parts.

Where these lines of snow showers form they could well leave 5-10 cm of snow on the ground by tomorrow evening. Showers will continue on Wednesday though becoming somewhat lighter and allowing for greater levels of sunshine. Cloud will gradually build on Wednesday night ahead of an advancing weather system on Thursday.

Heavy rain in the southwest will readily turn to snow as it encounters the very cold air in place across the country. This snow will be heavy, resulting in some significant falls of snow and travel disruption for those of you commuting to and from work. While the exact amount of snow remains unknown it could well range between 5-15 cm in some areas.

Friday will see further outbreaks of snow in Leinster and Ulster, but somewhat milder air will push into Munster and Connacht. The further outlook keeps Ireland in a battleground situation between very cold weather to our east and north, with milder air trying to but ultimately failing to cross the country from the southwest.

Therefore it looks like our weather will remain very cold into mid February with further risks of some significant falls of snow and or wintry showers at times. Further updates to follow later this afternoon… Kindest regards, Cathal Nolan