Northern Ireland 'could' see first snow of 2019 next week as temperatures forecast to plummet
Freezing weather looms after a mild start to January
Last updated 11th Jan 2019
After a mild start to the year with above average temperatures, it finally might start to feel a bit more like winter next week.
The infamous cold snap which brought bitterly cold winds and snow to many parts of Northern Ireland last February and early March, could return soon according to forecasters.
The UK is currently in the middle of a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) - of the type that caused last year's Beast from the East - the Met Office has said.
This usually leads to cold conditions moving our way from Eastern Europe.
According to the latest Met Office forecast there is an "enhanced risk of snow" in parts of the UK from late next week.
“During the last week of January and into early February, there is an increased likelihood of cold weather becoming established across all of the UK. This would bring an enhanced risk of snow and more widespread frost, particularly across northern parts."
"However, there is uncertainty over the extent of the cold weather and it is still possible that some milder and wetter interludes will intersperse."
For now, it is too early to tell just how low the mercury will drop, but definately worth keeping an eye on.
NORTHERN IRELAND FOUR DAY FORECAST
Friday - Mainly dry and cloudy with light winds today. Feeling mild. Highs of 10C.
Saturday - Cloudy and breezy with outbreaks of rain. Strong westerly winds along the North Coast. Rain will tend to die out through the afternoon. Highs of 10C. ****
Sunday - Patchy rain, mainly in the morning, strong, gusty winds which will hit 40mph in some areas. Highs of 10C.
Monday - Dry, bright and cold Monday with winds easing. Highs of 8C.
