Ireland is bracing for an unusual weather event: a four-day period of dense fog beginning tonight. Met Eireann, the national meteorological service, has warned that the conditions are expected to persist through Tuesday, impacting travel and daily life across the country.
Rare Atmospheric Conditions
The forecast comes shortly after Ireland experienced its first cold snap of the year, followed by a brief period of milder, wetter weather. However, temperatures are once again forecast to dip, with daytime highs struggling to reach double digits and overnight lows potentially reaching -2C. The current setup, according to Met Eireann, is creating ideal conditions for fog formation: light southeasterly or variable breezes combined with calm, clear nights.
Detailed Forecast
Met Eireann’s forecast indicates largely dry conditions Saturday night with potential showers in the east and southeast, and lowest temperatures between -1C and 4C. Fog is expected to develop in light breezes. Sunday will see fog clearing in the morning, with bright spells and occasional showers, followed by rain developing in the west and southwest. Temperatures will reach 5C to 9C.
Cloudy conditions are predicted for Sunday night, with rain extending across the country and temperatures between 1C and 5C. Monday will begin cloudy with rain and drizzle, becoming drier in the afternoon. Fog is expected to develop Monday night with temperatures dropping to between -2C and 3C, before rain returns in the southwest. Tuesday will see fog clearing as breezy conditions and outbreaks of rain move in from the southwest, with temperatures of 6C to 9C. Wednesday is currently forecast to be breezy and windy with outbreaks of heavy rain and temperatures of 7C to 10C.
The persistence of this fog pattern is described as rare by Met Eireann, making careful planning for the week ahead particularly important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this fog expected to last?
Met Eireann currently forecasts the dense fog to persist across Ireland from Saturday through Tuesday.
What temperatures can we expect during the fog event?
Daytime temperatures are expected to struggle to reach double digits, while overnight lows could drop as low as -2C.
Will the entire country be affected by the fog?
While the forecast indicates the fog will be widespread, Met Eireann notes that some areas may experience clearer conditions at times, particularly during daylight hours on Sunday.
How will you adjust your plans to account for the potential disruptions caused by this extended period of fog?
