THOSE DREAMING of a white Christmas may yet it see it come to pass with Met Éireann predicting a snowy start in some parts of the country on Christmas Day.
However, any snow is expected to be confined to northern counties while the majority of the country is likely to see the cold start replaced by slightly warmer and rainier conditions as the day goes on.
Two Irish bookmakers believe the prospect of a white Christmas is becoming increasingly unlikely. Despite saying it had already paid out €50,000 on a white Christmas occurring, Paddy Power was yesterday offering odds of 9/4 on the chances of snowfall tomorrow, out from 5/4, while Boylesports also extended the odds from 6/4 to 9/4.
But there is to be no let-up in the current cold snap until midway through tomorrow, while today will continue to be bitterly cold.
Meteorologist Gerry Murphy of Met Éireann said temperatures would not rise above – 1 degree in some parts of the midlands today while tonight would be “potentially as cold” as last night with temperatures predicted to fall as low as – 8 degrees in some areas again. Asked if there would be snowfall on Christmas Day, he added: “There could certainly be falls of snow, especially in the northern parts of the country”.
Hazardous conditions, including freezing fog and icy roads, will continue today with hail, sleet and snow showers expected along the coast in northern Connacht and Ulster and more wintry showers along the east coast. Rain, preceded by sleet or possibly snow, is set to spread from the southwest overnight tonight, reaching much of Munster and Connacht by tomorrow morning and bringing a rise in temperatures. The rain will spread to all areas during the day, following a cold and frosty start.
St Stephen’s Day will see temperatures rise further to between 4 and 7 degrees with a possibility of sunshine in Leinster and Munster. Ulster and Connacht can expect rain and sleet showers but no snow on the 26th. After St Stephen’s Day, temperatures are expected to fall again for the following few days.
At least 100 people have died in the past week throughout continental Europe as temperatures dropped over 30 degrees below freezing in some places. Two women died and 47 other people were injured after a coach overturned on an icy road in Cornwall yesterday.
In Poland, 79 people have died with temperatures falling as low as – 20 degrees. In Germany, the temperatures have fallen as low as – 33 degrees and at least seven people lost their lives.
Meanwhile, gardaí are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. AA Roadwatch said braking distances would be 10 times greater than normal due to icy conditions, while Age Action Ireland warned that older people are particularly susceptible during the cold snap.
“People should keep the temperature in the rooms they’re living in between 16 and 18 degrees . . . If it falls below 12 degrees you’re in the danger zone because the blood begins to thicken and it can result in heart attack or stroke,” said Eamon Timmins of Age Action Ireland.
He encouraged people to keep in contact with elderly neighbours.