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Rain warning and temperatures set to plunge as Ireland celebrates new year

Met Eireann has warned that the new year will bring a cold snap, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -4C by Thursday.

Cate McCurry
Tuesday 31 December 2024 16:49 GMT
People struggle with their umbrellas as the wind picks up in Dublinā€™s city centre, as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause travel issues on New Yearā€™s Eve (Niall Carson/PA)
People struggle with their umbrellas as the wind picks up in Dublinā€™s city centre, as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause travel issues on New Yearā€™s Eve (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Wire)

A status yellow rain warning is in place for Cork and Kerry and Met Eireann has predicted a drop in temperature as the country celebrates the new year.

The forecaster has warned that 2025 will bring a cold snap, with temperatures expected to plunge as low as -4C by Thursday.

Cork and Kerry will remain under a status yellow rain warning, which will continue until 6am on Wednesday.

Persistent rain is expected to cause localised flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.

On New Yearā€™s Day, the rain is expected to gradually clear to the south-east.

The forecaster said that brighter conditions and scattered showers will follow from the north-west for the afternoon.

Met Eireann meteorologist Mark Bowe said: ā€œThe low moving over on Tuesday will bring significant winds to the north-west but rain will be widespread and rather heavy at times too which could lead to spot flooding.ā€

The forecaster went on to explain that the weather on Wednesday will prove to be a lot more significant with more rain and very strong and blustery winds for all areas.

Mr Bowe continued: ā€œWe are currently tracking the development of the low pressure system expected for Wednesday with potentially some very impactful winds across western and southern areas.ā€

Deputy head of forecasting, Liz Coleman, said: ā€œIt will be a wet and windy night in the south-west and south for the New Yearā€™s Eve festivities, especially in those counties where we have warnings in place, with persistent rain and some flurries of sleet or snow possible.

ā€œSo plan ahead if you are going to be out and about celebrating. It will be clearer further north with scattered showers.

ā€œThe rain will gradually clear to the south-east on New Yearā€™s Day, with brighter conditions and scattered showers following from the north-west through the afternoon.

ā€œFresh to strong south-west winds will gradually ease and veer northerly, so that will introduce much colder conditions from Wednesday evening onwards.

ā€œQuite a change for Thursday and Friday, feeling much more like winter with bright, cold and crisp days and a few wintry showers.

ā€œVery cold at night with widespread frost and some icy patches so do take care when out and about.ā€

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