Weather experts give verdict on possible Beast from the East heading our way

The weather across Ireland has been a mixed bag these last couple of weeks from freezing fronts to milder temperatures.

While the temperatures outside now are bearable, with a little rain mixed in of course, experts have warned that a colder front is expected to come in towards the end of January as a cold easterly flow will hot bringing possible snow across the country.

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A potential Beast from the East could be heading our way as the temperatures plunge in the next two weeks and experts have given their verdict on what could be in store.

Carlow Weatherman Alan O'Reilly has said that while the Global Forecast System (GFS) has shown some "interesting" charts, people shouldn't become too worried as the chances right now remain low.

"Few messages asking about chances of a beast from the East, the GFS model in the long range has certainly thrown out some interesting charts but before anyone gets excited or worried the ensembles show it has very little support so chances remain low and ECM model very different!"

Few messages asking about chances of a beast from the East, the GFS model in the long range has certainly thrown out some interesting charts but before anyone gets excited or worried the ensembles show it has very little support so chances remain low and ECM model very different! pic.twitter.com/EZYlDGH0Fm

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 13, 2026

Meanwhile, Cathal Nolan from Ireland Weather Channel has said a cold airmass originating from the east will make itself known across the country.

"Its fascinating watching the model outputs as we head into next week with a battle ground setting up between the Atlantic and a cold airmass originating from the east, which in some models seems set to push across Ireland and the UK."

Met Éireann has also confirmed that a "cold easterly airflow is likely to dominate bringing below average temperatures across the country".

While temperatures have remained around 6 to 8 degrees during the day this week along with scattered showers, freezing fog is expected in some parts on Friday as temperatures plunge back down to -4 in places.

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Today

Cloudy and dry for most this morning with just scattered outbreaks of light rain and drizzle. Through the late morning and early afternoon, it will become rather wet and breezy with outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards across the country, turning heavy and possibly thundery at times.

A clearance to scattered showers will follow from the west later this evening. Highest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees, coolest in Ulster. Southerly winds will increase moderate to fresh, stronger near Atlantic coasts, with the arrival of the rain, before easing with the clearance.

Any lingering rain in the north and east will clear, leaving a dry night for many with long clear spells, but with scattered showers feeding into Atlantic coastal counties. Some frost is possible with lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees and mostly moderate southwesterly winds.

Thursday

A dry day for many with plenty of sunshine. Scattered showers, some of which will be heavy with a chance of hail or thunder, will affect Atlantic coastal counties. Highest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees, coolest in Ulster, with light to moderate southerly or variable winds.

A mix of dry clear spells and showers on Thursday night, some of which will merge into more persistent spells of rain. Some mist and fog patches will develop too. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with a light southeasterly breeze.

Friday

While fog may linger in parts, it will be a dry day for many with some bright spells. Showers, some of which could be heavy and with a chance of hail and thunder, will mainly affect southern and eastern parts. Highest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees, coolest in the northwest and mildest in the southeast, with a light to moderate easterly breeze.

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A dry night on Friday apart from coastal showers mainly affecting the southern and eastern coastal parts. Widespread fog will develop with freezing fog possible too. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +4 degrees, highest in the east, with a light or variable easterly breeze.

Saturday

With fog lingering it parts, it will be a generally cloudy day with limited bright spells. It will be dry for many with isolated showers or light rain and drizzle mainly affecting southern and eastern coastal areas. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees with a light easterly or variable breeze.

Sunday

Some mist and fog patches early on. It will be generally cloudy with limited bright spells. While there will be some patchy light rain and drizzle, there will be plenty of dry weather overall. Rain will push into the west later in the day. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees, with light to moderate southeasterly winds.