Will We See Another 'Beast from the East' Soon? Experts Weigh In
Reports of another 'Beast from the East' are circulating, but experts say it's unlikely - expect cold, unsettled weather, but nothing extreme for now.
Recent reports have suggested that Ireland could be in for another severe cold snap akin to the infamous Beast from the East of 2018. But how accurate are these claims? Looking at the latest forecasts from Met Éireann and Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel, the reality appears far less dramatic - at least for now.
Met Éireann’s Forecast: Cold, But Not Extreme
Met Éireann's short-term outlook highlights a chilly but not unprecedented weather pattern. Over the coming days, temperatures are expected to remain low, particularly overnight, with occasional frost and wintry showers over high ground. However, there are no indications of a deep freeze on the scale of 2018.
By midweek, a battle between colder air to the northeast and milder, wetter Atlantic air could bring a more unsettled period. While temperatures will remain below average, they are not currently forecast to plummet to Beast from the Eastlevels.
Ireland’s Weather Channel: A Complex and Uncertain Outlook
Cathal Nolan of Ireland’s Weather Channel notes that while some weather models have hinted at a much colder scenario beyond midweek, the overall forecast remains uncertain. He points out that:
- Weather models have been inconsistent, making long-term predictions difficult.
- While a cold spell is possible, the Atlantic is likely to dominate, keeping conditions milder than an easterly-driven freeze.
- Key weather patterns, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO), suggest colder weather could develop, but they are not reliable indicators of extreme cold this far in advance.
So, Is Another ‘Beast from the East’ Coming?
As of now, the evidence suggests that while Ireland is in for a cold and unsettled spell, it is unlikely to match the severity of 2018’s Beast from the East. The prevailing Atlantic influence makes a prolonged deep freeze unlikely, though some wintry conditions, particularly in eastern and upland areas, cannot be ruled out.
For now, forecasters remain cautious about any extreme cold predictions. As always, weather patterns can shift rapidly, so staying up to date with the latest forecasts from Met Éireann and trusted meteorologists remains the best way to prepare.
