YOUR Winter Predictions 05-06

Danno

I thought that I might start this thread, seemingly as it is popular on other forums, however, this is .ie and it directly applies to Ireland, here goes my predictions for Ireland this winter 2005-06:

DECEMBER:
December will start this year with a large area of high pressure to our north, steering cool or even cold NE to E winds our way. temps will be respectable at 6,7 or 8c inland, perhaps more in the SW or W. Overnight frosts and fogs will be major problems in the E and NE. Before the week is out though, expect a potent blast of SE winds and rain as a low over Biscay gets a marching over us.
The low will set up a pattern of mild southerlys over Ireland for a few days thereafter, so expect heavy rain showers. Then a cold front accompanied by a few NW diving lows will cross Ireland leading us into the mid month period, giving cool but wet conditions.
A mid Atlantic High will bring Anti-Cylconic gloom for at least one week there after before retreating west-wards once again, which sets us up for Christmas week. I expect the Christmas week to bring a substantial amount of polar lows sweeping from Donegal to Wexford, if conditions are right then quite a bit of snowfall can be expected, similar to the 24th/25th and 26th period last year but on a more sustained timeframe. As we close the month, I expect high pressure to develop to the NE of Scotland delivering a cold NE airflow to see us into the new year, expect alot of Irish Sea wintry showers...

JANUARY:
With a NE to E airflow from a by now established Scandi High expect up to two weeks of cold weather with more snow showers from the Irish Sea. By the 10th or 12th another low from Biscay will form bringing us back into the milder air sector, but not without alot of snow as rain meets cold air from the E/NE area, a two day snow spell could be on the cards.
As always/nearly always happens in Ireland the mild air will win out and a mild Southerly should set the run of things for a week or so, some widespread gales too. By months end I expect high pressure to our east to re-assert itself and establish the late December pattern once again.

FEBRUARY:
With high pressure to our N and E, I expect a slack cold NE air flow over Ireland bringing fine sunny but cold days for a few days, however, the SW will brew a few low pressure systems once again, and by just after mid month expect spring-like conditions. I would not however, rule out a late month N blast.

Signing Off, Danno.