Your daily forecasts from Boards.ie weather forum (NO CHAT)

M.T. Cranium

Friday, 11 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Moderate to heavy rain spreading gradually north but heavier from central Munster north towards east Galway/Mayo and west Ulster. Before rain arrives, mostly cloudy with rising southeast winds ... during the rain, winds SE 30-50 mph ... partial clearing will follow into west Munster and some isolated weak thundershowers could develop by afternoon there ... rainfall amounts today 15-30 mms, highs 13-15 C. Winds veering more to SSW after the rain, and dropping off to 20-40 mph.

TONIGHT ... Rain becoming showery then tapering off to drizzle, fog. Mild. Lows near 10 C. Winds SSW 15-30 mph.

SATURDAY ... Mostly cloudy with some brighter intervals, drizzle or light rain ending for a while then redeveloping late in the day with 3-7 mms on average, moderate southerly winds and highs near 14 C.

SUNDAY ... Showers ending except in parts of Ulster, brighter with some sunny intervals inland southeast, very mild or warm with lows near 9 C and highs near 16 C but possibly as high as 18 C around Kildare, Carlow and Laois. Isolated showers mainly west and north. Moderate SE winds.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, possible showers near south coast spreading into western counties later, dry further east, mild or very mild, lows near 9 C and highs near 16 C. Moderate SE winds.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY ... A gradual cooling trend with mostly cloudy skies, some brighter intervals and occasionally sunny east and north, drizzle at times near south coast, winds southeast backing to east, 10-20 mph. Daytime highs will sag slowly from about 14 to about 10 C. Rather mild at night for time of year, lows 3-7 C, but chance of ground frost anywhere that happens to clear.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Tropical storm Sean has moved past Bermuda and will rapidly accelerate north to become merged into an elongated north-south frontal trough in eastern Canada. The remnants of the tropical storm will be pulled across Newfoundland in a general southerly gale with heavy rainfalls to 100 mms in places. Further west, the northeast states and Quebec, Ontario are dry and cloudy except for isolated showers. Temperatures will be near 17 C in parts of far eastern Canada but 10-12 C further west. Into the central U.S. a milder southwest flow is developing with some chinook warming in the western plains and prairies. Highs will be well into the teens. Coastal BC and parts of the Pacific northwest will see increasing cloud followed by rain. But it is warm and dry in the desert southwest where highs could reach 25 C in places in an easterly "Santa Ana breeze."

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday 10th was sunny and mild with a high of about 14 C. The evening was very pleasant with the full moon and Jupiter dominating a mostly clear sky with patchy alto-cumulus.

11-11-11

M.T. Cranium

Saturday, 12 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some bright or sunny intervals more frequent in the east, with a few remnant light showers at times in the west, becoming more of a steady light rain by evening (potential 3-6 mms). Very mild with moderate SSE winds 15-25 mph, highs 13-15 C.

TONIGHT ... Occasional light rain, mostly across central to western counties spreading to northern counties later, 3-6 mms, mild in south to southeast winds, lows 8-10 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, northern showers dying out, very mild or even warm in the southeast, highs 15-18 C in southeast breezes 15-25 mph.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy east to overcast west, very mild, some outbreaks of light rain later, winds continuing moderate SE and temperatures between 10 and 14 C.

TUESDAY ... Some sunny intervals, more cloud south and west with risk of showers, not quite as mild, winds ESE 10-20 mph, lows near 6 C and highs near 12 C.

OUTLOOK ... A slow-moving trough will push back from the west and end the very mild, largely dry spell in all areas, bringing outbreaks of rain that could become heavy by about Thursday. Temperatures will continue rather mild but closer to seasonal normals, highs of 9-12 C. Models diverge past next weekend but there appears to be some chance of a turn to stormy weather if the European model wins the contest.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Strong southerly winds and rain across Newfoundland with highs 14-17 C, but turning colder in westerly winds further west, with a secondary disturbance tracking southeast across the Great Lakes bringing chilly showers followed by sleety flurries there, highs no better than 7-9 C. To the south, a seasonably mild cloudy westerly flow across most of the eastern states away from the Great Lakes. Mild in central regions as far north as the central Canadian prairie provinces, well above freezing to that frontal zone, but below freezing to the north in a light to moderate northeast cloudy flow ahead of arctic high pressure well to the north. Showery (snow in mountains) and cool near west coast, and another big storm heading into Alaska, this one making more progress east (the last one is actually now heading due west to the north of Siberia). It continues warm and dry in most of the southwest states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... An active day, the morning was cloudy with showers, at about 1 p.m. a strong cold front blasted through with hail and some thunder, then winds became gale force (gusting to 60 mph at the airport) causing tree damage, ferry cancellations, and mountain highway closures due to near-blizzard conditions. The temperatures here at sea level dropped from about 12 C in the morning to 6 C by afternoon and now it's quite close to freezing with sleety showers around. Winds have died down considerably.

M.T. Cranium

Sunday, 13 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy and very mild, especially warm in the inland south and east where a foehn effect could add a degree or two, as could any sunny breaks ... highs 15-17 C in general, and possibly 18-19 C in a few spots ... Kerry may see occasional rain (3-7 mms) and possibly nearby west Cork at times a shower or two, but this activity should then head up the west coast mainly offshore. A brief shower can't be ruled out in other places but it should be mainly a dry day, very pleasant for the time of year. Winds should remain SE 15-30 mph with some higher gusts. Look for the warmest readings around Kildare, Laois and Carlow as well as north Kerry, and possibly a few places in between.

TONIGHT ... Further light rain in the west, spreading a bit further east, cloudy and very mild elsewhere, SE breezes, lows near 10 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers in the south and west, mild or very mild, winds SE 15-30 mph, highs 14-17 C.

TUESDAY ... Some rain near south and west coasts at times, brighter or even sunny at times further north, cloudy near east coast, a bit cooler in east to southeast winds, lows near 6 C and highs near 12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, rain spreading across southwest and then further towards central counties, southeast winds 20-35 mph, lows near 6 C and highs near 11 C. Potential for 5-10 mms rain.

THURSDAY ... Rain may become heavier, showery in Ulster but steady most other places, winds SE 15-30 mph, lows near 8 C and highs near 11 C. Becoming foggy over hills. Rainfall potential of about 15-30 mms.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy, showers, winds turning more southerly, lows near 6 C and highs near 11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slightly cooler at night by next weekend but temperatures still staying close to seasonal normals, eventually strong winds from west seem likely as jet stream recombines from this week's split flow.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Eastern regions generally fair and mild except in far eastern Canada which sees rain ending and strong westerly winds. For most, however, the pleasant autumn weather associated with high pressure near Virginia will bring highs 14-18 C after a chilly start. This warmth will be more pronounced in parts of the central states with a stronger southwest wind ahead of a strong cold front now leaving the Rockies for the high plains. Those regions will see an interval of sleet or snow followed by sub-freezing and briefly windy weather. The western coastal regions north of central California are generally overcast with outbreaks of low-elevation rain and mountain sleet or snow in a chilly WNW flow.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Overcast, chilly, periods of rain (snow on higher ground nearby), high of only 6 C on Saturday. Rather windy from west.

M.T. Cranium

Monday, 14 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Variable cloud, some light showers in the south and west, trace to 2 mms, mild or very mild, winds SE 15-30 mph, highs 13-17 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with some clear intervals, light showers may continue in parts of southwest, lows 6-9 C.

TUESDAY ... Some rain near south and west coasts at times, brighter or even sunny at times further north, cloudy near east coast, a bit cooler in east to southeast winds, highs near 12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, rain spreading across southwest and then further towards central counties, southeast winds 20-35 mph, lows near 6 C and highs near 11 C. Potential for 5-10 mms rain.

THURSDAY ... Rain may become heavier, showery in Ulster but steady most other places, winds SE 15-30 mph, lows near 8 C and highs near 11 C. Becoming foggy over hills. Rainfall potential of about 15-30 mms.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy, showers, winds turning more southerly, lows near 6 C and highs near 11 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Cloudy, mild in southwest flow, some rain at times.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The mild spell should continue across most of the eastern U.S. with highs 15-20 C in southwest winds. Rain will spread north from the Gulf coast towards the Tennessee valley and also across the lower Great Lakes, where it will be around 12-14 C. Further west, considerably colder behind these fronts, although not below seasonal normals in most cases, cloudy and 7-10 C. West is unsettled and showery, milder in a westerly flow.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Cloudy with a few showers, milder with highs around 10 C on Sunday.

M.T. Cranium

Tuesday, 15 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with some brighter intervals in places, largely dry, chance of some drizzle mid-day near southeast coast and risk of an isolated shower in west ... not quite as mild as recent days, highs 11-13 C in a moderate ESE breeze 15-25 mph.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, the odd clear break in Ulster and Leinster, showers gradually developing over southwest, lows 6-8 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, periods of light rain developing with some embedded heavier showers, local rainfalls 5-10 mms although these mostly in central counties ... winds veering to SSW 10-20 mph and mild(ish) at about 12-14 C.

THURSDAY ... Periods of rain developing, 10-20 mms likely, lows near 7 C and highs near 13 C. Moderate S-SW winds.

FRIDAY ... Showers continuing, some brighter intervals too, lows near 6 C and highs near 12 C in south to southwest breezes. Some of the showers could contain a bit of soft hail.

SATURDAY - SUNDAY ... Another rather mild weekend coming up, with perhaps only light to moderate rainfalls for most areas although it could become a steady downpour in parts of the northwest. Winds SSW 20-30 mph and generally rather mild, highs around 12-13 C.

OUTLOOK ... The pattern looks likely to stay mild but becoming increasingly windy and unsettled through the following week. With North America seeing a cooling trend the set-up is not conducive for European blocking or northerly developments for a while yet, would now say that anything truly wintry is at least ten days to two weeks away.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The eastern mild spell will end today as showers and some thundershowers roll through the large cities, ending a spell with highs around 20 C. This front is followed by a narrow slot of cloudy but seasonably mild weather that precedes an arctic front through the central Great Lakes, so those areas will start dry and see later showers turning to a mixture of rain and wet snow in places. That front brings in sub-freezing air that is already widespread in western to central Canada and the northern plains states -- sunny skies in places, but highs only -2 or lower in this region. Finally, west coast rather chilly for mid-November, some clear skies to start before cloud and rain head in later, mountain and hill snows, highs only around 5-7 C at best. The southwest remains warmer, however.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday was a generally sunny day with brisk westerly winds and large patches of higher cloud that was more altostratus than cirrus, highs about 6 C and winds gusting to 50 km/hr at times. Expecting about the same until evening today then a stormy day on Wednesday with heavy rain and snow down to 300m.

M.T. Cranium

Wednesday, 16 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, although parts of Ulster and north Leinster could see brighter intervals this morning. Light rain at first in southwest, spreading northeast and becoming moderate to heavy at times, amounts by evening should be generally 5-10 mms south and west, 10-15 mms southeast, east, and 5-10 mms northeast due to a later start. Moderate south winds and some fog, highs 11-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain heaviest in Ulster with other regions seeing the rain ending as drizzle or fog, mist patches, with a few additional showers developing later in the south and west ... a further 5-10 mms in places ... lows near 8 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy, intervals of rain (10-20 mms on average), some fog, mild ... highs near 13 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy with showers, lows near 7 C and highs near 12 C.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, some with soft hail, a few sunny intervals developing, lows near 5 C and highs near 11 C.

SUNDAY ... Clear intervals early morning, lows -1 to +4 C, then increasing cloud, rain spreading into west, milder again, southerly winds, highs 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Breezy and mild with rain at times. Lows near 6 C and highs near 12 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Breezy to windy, showery, mild but possibly turning colder late next week.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Mild air is hanging on early today near the east coast but will end with showers and westerly to northwest winds later, as temperatures fall from near 15 C to about 7 C later. Cold in many parts of the Great Lakes, central states, and west-central Canada, some places getting light snow, others mainly sunny, but generally near or below freezing daytime, and as cold as -7 to -10 C at night. The west coast will be slammed later today by strong winds and heavy rains near sea level, heavy snows in the mountains, from a rapidly moving Pacific storm. Winds on outer Vancouver Island could reach 80-100 knots in places.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday was sunny and cool, with a strong westerly breeze and highs of about 6 C. Clouding over now, with a storm on the way (mixed rain and sleet or snow on Wednesday especially late in the day, rising east winds turning southeast gale force).

M.T. Cranium

UPDATE _ Wed 16 Nov 2011 _ 5 p.m.
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Rainfall potential in eastern counties now upgraded to 15-30 mms with spot flooding possible ... then for tomorrow, upgrading to an alert ...

ALERT for heavy rainfalls Thursday in Munster and Connacht, with potential for 30-60 mms causing flooding and some road travel disruptions due to mudslides (most likely in Kerry), this rain likely to be more moderate further east (15-30 mms).

Friday may also bring a period of heavier rainfalls in the 20-30 mm range.

M.T. Cranium

Thursday, 17 November, 2011
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TODAY ... ALERT continued for locally heavy rainfall ... Munster and Connacht will see as much as 30-50 mms of rain during the next 12 hours with local spot flooding and risk of mudslides, particularly in Kerry ... not as wet elsewhere with 10-25 mms starting mid-morning to early afternoon ... winds picking up to SSE 20-40 mph with some gusts to near 50 mph in south coastal regions ... mild with some fog over hills, highs near 14 C.

TONIGHT ... Rainfall ending for a while, but starting up again in the southwest with further heavy falls likely ... 10-30 mms could be added by daybreak there, otherwise 3-7 mms ... mild, foggy, southerly breezes of about 15-25 mph, and lows only 10-12 C.

FRIDAY ... Further heavy rain possible in the west, 20-40 mms, possible severe flooding or mudslides from the cumulative effects of two days of heavy rain and runoff ... mainly cloudy and showery central and partly cloudy at times, showers for the east ... very mild especially east, highs about 15 C in southerly winds of 20-30 mph.

SATURDAY ... Showers ending gradually from west to east, 10-20 mms added to totals, flooding may continue in some parts, lows near 7 C and highs near 12 C. Hazy sunshine developing by later in the day across the west but scattered light showers with some hail possible.

SUNDAY ... After a rather chilly night with fog patches and clear intervals, lows near 2 C, the day will become cloudy and rain may return to the far west eventually, lighter winds, highs 10-12 C.

MONDAY ... Yet another possible heavy rainfall in southerly winds, highs near 13 C. This system looks capable of bringing another 20-30 mms lasting into part of TUESDAY then a dry, breezy and mild pattern follows although it could turn a bit colder.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Some of the longer range maps look quite dramatic with very cold air massing to the north and helping to create a large vortex near Scotland, but this could be a bit overdone, certainly a subject of interest on the forums as we get closer to December.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... East coast showers ending, turning much colder through the day on westerly winds, highs near 10 C in the early morning. Great Lakes will feature heavy snow squalls off Lakes Huron and Michigan mainly, some from the lower lakes as well but heaviest amounts well north of Toronto (20-40 cms possible locally) as temperatures fail to rise much above freezing. Even colder to the west thanks to an arctic high that has ridged southeast from Yukon into Saskatchewan (SK) and the Dakotas ... dry and cold with that ridge, but snow into Alberta, Montana and interior parts of British Columbia and Washington. Mild with rain for the early morning hours near the coast, then windy and squally with much colder air wrapping around a coastal low that is going to reappear by afternoon in Wyoming inducing a strong chinook downsloping wind in Colorado where gusts to 80 mph can be expected later today with highs near 17 C in Denver, compared to -7 C in Calgary further north. Warm and dry across the southwest, highs into the 20s.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday morning was cold with rain and sleet, east winds, the late afternoon and evening saw milder air for a few hours, light rain and a high of about 10 C just a short time ago ... the cold front is just about here and it may get very windy with squally mixed showers quite soon.

M.T. Cranium

Friday, 18 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Mild with rain, heavier and more persistent in western counties, amounts varying from 25 mms west coast to perhaps 5 mms east coast, southerly winds 20-30 mph, highs 14-16 C. Foggy at times in west.

TONIGHT ... Light rain continuing, 2-5 mms further, mild, foggy. Lows near 9 or 10 C.

SATURDAY ... Light rain becoming more showery, brighter by afternoon in south-central counties, showers then splitting more into two batches on east and west coasts, not as windy, highs 11-13 C.

SUNDAY ... Morning clear intervals, colder overnight with lows 2-5 C, then increasing cloud, rain returning to west by evening. Highs 11-13 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, showers east, periods of rain at times west, mild, southerly winds 20-40 mph, lows near 7 C and highs near 13 C.

TUESDAY ... Rain or showers, mild. Highs near 13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Breezy, mild but turning somewhat colder, timing rather uncertain, seems most likely to be around Friday 25th.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Snow (10-20 cms) spreading east across southern prairies and northern plains, very cold (-10 C or below) as arctic air masses over the northwestern parts of Canada and Alaska. A secondary weak snowfall event is moving through southern B.C. and mountains of Washington state, 2-5 cms. Further south in the central plains states, much warmer in southwest winds, highs 16-20 C ... this milder air will slowly spread into the Great Lakes and Ohio valley regions ... staying cold today before warming tonight across the northeast states and New England, a few light flurries but mainly dry if cloudy. Windy and cold in eastern Canada.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... It was a very cold day with a high of only 2-3 C, light rain or sleet turning to snow giving us our first covering (1-2 cms) by about 7-8 p.m. ... now just drizzling and 1 deg C. More snow expected overnight and Friday (2-5 cms?) ... warming trend after a cold day Saturday.

M.T. Cranium

Saturday, 19 November, 2011
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TODAY ... A north-south band of heavy and showery rains will continue to move slowly east from central regions this morning towards eastern counties by mid-day to afternoon, but the intensity may begin to fade at that point, so expect rainfalls of 10-20 mms central with 7-15 mms eastern counties later. A secondary and less organized batch of showers is likely to spread into western counties and give 3-6 mms there on average with some sunny breaks in the mix. This slightly improved pattern will spread slowly east during the afternoon. Highs in most places will be 12-14 C. Some hail and thunder is possible around mid-day with the heavier showers. Winds will be rather light to moderate southerly veering somewhat at random to a more westerly direction towards the west coast.

TONIGHT ... Widespread fog likely with partly cloudy skies, some further showers or light rain in east coastal counties, a bit colder especially for inland west, lows generally in the range of 5-10 C but possibly a bit colder in a few locations.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, further outbreaks of light rain mainly in western counties, moderate southerly winds, foggy over some higher terrain, highs around 11-13 C.

MONDAY ... Outbreaks of heavier rain moving from central to eastern counties with a slow clearing trend to follow in the west, although misty to foggy in some parts, still on the mild side until well after sunset, highs around 11 or 12 C.

TUESDAY ... A rather cold start in some places with overnight clearing skies and lows -1 to +3 C ... clouding up rapidly and another batch of rain later in the day ... highs 9-11 C.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY ... Mild with showers or periods of rain in a southwest wind, highs around 12 C.

OUTLOOK ... The models continue to explore various paces for a cooling trend that seems likely to set in later in the month but there are also some indications that mild southwesterly winds will try to continue to dominate until the bitter end, so to speak ... the 16-day GFS has an interesting depiction of an arctic outbreak and possible snow for Ireland on 4 December or thereabouts, so watch for any development of that theme in more reliable time frames (right now it's about as likely as my lottery numbers winning the jackpot, or even yours).

WEEKEND OUTLOOK FOR NORTH AMERICA -- Just briefly, much of the continent is being plunged into the deep freeze except for portions of the U.S. east of about a Minnesota to Texas line, and this deep freeze is on top of fresh snow that fell today in parts of the northern plains and eastern prairies. The older cold outbreak is now well to the east with a mild wedge in between, bringing 15-20 C temperatures to parts of the lower Great Lakes and Ohio valley, and eventually also to the larger cities of the northeast which may be 10-15 C today. West coast remains chilly for time of year with mixed sleety showers around.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was a day of slow-moving showers of sleet or snow pellets, not much accumulation on top of last night's 2-3 cms snow, some of which melted or settled into the ground despite a chilly high of 4 C. Some patches of blue sky around, but the sun never seemed to find them. Also some heavier showers off to the southeast that looked capable of dropping heavier amounts of snow on any hills. Not very windy but a northwest flow aloft.

M.T. Cranium

Sunday, 20 November, 2011
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TODAY ... A break from the rain, and perhaps even some sunshine, before clouds begin to increase later ... some showers possible in southeast by afternoon ... mild again, 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Foggy or misty, rain developing more widely and 5-10 mms is likely for most ... lows near 8 C.

MONDAY ... Periods of rain, 10-20 mms, foggy ... some gradual clearing in west late afternoon ... highs 11-13 C.

TUESDAY ... A cold start, lows -1 to +3 C, with clear intervals, then partly cloudy, rather cool, highs 8-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, showers, winds increasing SSW 20-30 mph. Lows near 5 C and highs near 12 C.

THURSDAY ... Windy (perhaps very windy for Connacht) with showers, squally at times with hail, winds SW 35-55 mph (possibly stronger gusts). Lows near 5 C and highs near 12 C.

OUTLOOK ... Partly cloudy and breezy on Friday then another windy frontal system for Saturday, some charts show this being quite intense (especially the GFS). Something to watch, and the stronger it becomes, the colder it could turn afterwards.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The cold air mass has pushed a little further east and south and has really taken hold over western Canada where temperatures are generally -20 to -30 C this morning; despite sunshine it will only climb to about -15 C later. Not quite that cold around the margins of the cold air from coastal B.C. southeast to Kansas then northeast to Lake Michigan, but sub-freezing with outbreaks of snow in a frontal zone. Much milder to south of Lake Superior with highs around 17-21 C in a southerly flow today. The front lacks severe storm potential due to waves that turn the wind from SW to NNE.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was sunny and quite chilly, the high was only about 3-4 C, and tonight it is clear and about -2 C even in the city, probably about -7 C in rural areas further east; expecting sleet or snow on Sunday afternoon and evening, after which we should be back to milder Pacific air for a while (but only locally).

M.T. Cranium

Monday, 21 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Continuing mild with outbreaks of rain, 5-10 mms on average, probably heaviest from south-central counties northeast towards north Leinster ... foggy or misty at times, but also some brighter intervals away from the more persistent rain ... highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, fog or mist becoming widespread, icy patches developing on roads towards morning in central counties as lows fall to about -1 C there, lows generally below 4 C.

TUESDAY ... Bright to start with some frost and localized fog, partly cloudy to overcast by late in the day, probably dry for most ... somewhat chilly with highs 8-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Another cold start in the southeast due to partly clear skies there, overcast across the northwest with rain to follow ... milder in general in a moderate southerly flow ... lows 2-7 C and highs 10-13 C.

THURSDAY ... Windy with squally showers developing, winds SSW 35-55 mph with some higher gusts possible in Connacht, west Munster ... lows near 7 C and highs near 11 C. Some thunder and hail by evening, turning much colder in west.

FRIDAY ... Continuing rather windy and turning colder, sleety showers or hail likely, winds WSW 30-50 mph, lows near 4 C and highs near 8 C.

OUTLOOK ... Continued breezy to windy, turning milder again for much of the weekend ... earlier forecast maps were showing some very cold days beyond Sunday 27th, but the most recent guidance is backing away from that for the time being ... could return to play at some point though.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Basically, almost all regions have turned very cold with the northeast U.S. coastal cities seeing the last of milder conditions in the early morning hours, and soon they will join just about all other parts of the U.S. in a cold, wintry air mass with local outbreaks of snow but mainly dry conditions almost coast to coast, highs well below freezing across the north and below normal in the south too. Western Canada is particularly cold with readings near -30 C early morning to -15 C mid-day. Snow is moving inland now across British Columbia, it should turn to sleet and then rain along the outer coast and around Vancouver and also in northwest Washington state. Meanwhile, the southwest U.S. is closer to normal and therefore a lot warmer than most other places, 15-20 C by day.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday was cloudy and cold, barely above freezing at mid-afternoon ... snow will start falling soon by the looks of radar although it is probably falling now and evaporating into the dry air here. Not expecting too much before a change to sleet and rain on Monday.

M.T. Cranium

Tuesday, 22 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Some local frost and mist or fog patches, slippery roads in central counties this morning, giving way to pleasant intervals of sun with patchy low cloud, highs around 8-10 C. Becoming a little more breezy by afternoon, westerly backing to southwest 15-30 mph.

TONIGHT ... Intervals of light rain or drizzle, fog in northwest, but staying at least partly clear in southeast, leading to a wide range of temperatures from near 9 C in northwest, to almost frosty conditions inland southeast. Temperatures likely to rise in south and east towards morning due to cloud and stronger winds.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud at first in southeast, otherwise overcast with rain slowly extending further inland from coastal Connacht, winds picking up to reach SSW 20-40 mph, highs near 11 C. Rainfalls of 10-20 mms northwest.

THURSDAY ... Windy with squally showers developing later in the day, some hail and thunder likely, winds SSW 35-55 mph (45-65 in Mayo, Donegal) ... lows around 7 C and highs 10-12 C.

FRIDAY ... Continued rather windy and turning colder, squally showers may include sleet or snow on northern hills, winds WSW 25-40 mph, lows near 4 C and highs near 9 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy, mild, periods of rain, winds SW 30-50 mph, lows near 7 and highs near 12 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy, cooler again, lows near 4 C and highs near 9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Increasing chance of somewhat wintry weather at times as we move into early December, temperatures likely to remain at or slightly below normal during the week of 28 Nov to 4 Dec. This means that some snow or hail is possible although no indications of anything very heavy or organized.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The widespread cold is relenting gradually and the core of the arctic air has been pushed back by two disturbances, one moving across the Rockies bringing milder air to the southern prairies and northern plains, and another moving out of TX/OK towards the central plains states, with heavy rains and severe storms for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and later moving into w KY/TN and MS. With highs near 27 C to the east of this front, it will be unseasonably warm in the southeast. Warming up gradually in the northeast U.S. where it's still rather cold this morning.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday started cold enough for 1-2 cms of snow, but that changed to sleet and rain as temperatures eventually hit highs near 10 C by evening.

M.T. Cranium

Wednesday, 23 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Breezy and mild with outbreaks of rain for the west and north, staying dry in some parts of east and south ... winds increasing to SSW 25-40 mph with some higher gusts near west coast ... rainfall amounts 5-15 mms in west and north ... highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Further rain mostly west and north, mild, winds SSW 20-40 mph, lows only falling slightly to 9-11 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy (windy for Connacht) with rain at times, becoming more squally late in day, winds SW 30-50 mph (40-60 mph coastal Mayo and Donegal) ... the full effects of this storm will be 200-300 miles offshore towards outer Donegal Bay (60-80 mph winds) ... highs 11-13 C ... rainfall amounts generally 5-15 mms.

FRIDAY ... Early morning squally showers and gusty winds, followed by variable cloud, a few more showers but becoming more isolated as winds drop off gradually, WSW 30-50 mph morning hours ... lows near 5 C and highs near 9 C north, 11 C south ... some sleet or hail, thunder possible especially early morning hours.

SATURDAY ... Windy and milder, lows near 7 C and highs near 13 C ... rain at times, heavy in north.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, not as windy, cooler, lows near 4 C and highs near 9 C.

OUTLOOK ... At least breezy if not windy for much of the week, with frequent showers, temperatures near normal or possibly a touch below, but snow appears unlikely except perhaps on highest terrain.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Milder across most parts of central U.S. and southern prairies of Canada as Pacific air moves in on strong southwest winds, temperatures well above normal (7-15 C). Rain moving through the lower Great Lakes and northeast U.S. but warmer air confined to states south of Washington DC, 20-25 C there, more like 12-14 C in the larger cities of the northeast with occasional rain.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday started very windy (early morning gusts to about 60 mph locally from south, some minor damage) and temperatures peaked at about 12 C at 0800h then fell slowly to present levels near 7 C with frequent light rain sometimes heavier in showers. Winds have dropped off to southwest 20-30 mph.

M.T. Cranium

Thursday, 24 November, 2011
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New moon is on Friday morning (0611 GMT) and this will mean that high tides on the west coast tonight or Friday morning would be locally running almost a metre above normal spring tides due to the strong winds. This new moon will be accompanied by a nearly total eclipse in some parts of the southern hemisphere.

TODAY ... Breezy and mild, becoming windy near the west coast as rain moves in, but staying dry further east until late afternoon ... potential for 10 to 25 mms rain in western counties ... winds increasing to SSW 30-50 mph with 40-60 mph outer west coast ... highs 13-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Windy, squally showers developing, possible hail or thunder in north, winds veering to WSW 30-50 mph, lows near 5 C west to 9 C east. Rainfall likely 5-10 mms on average.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, some squally showers especially across northern half, hail or thunder, sleet or snow on higher summits, colder in westerly winds 25-45 mph ... highs 7-10 C.

SATURDAY ... Windy and milder again, becoming very windy in Connacht and Ulster by evening ... winds SW 30-50 mph increasing to 45-70 mph late in the day ... rain arriving mid-day west to late evening southeast. Morning lows near 4 C and highs near 12 C.

SUNDAY ... Windy at first, then strong winds abating as squally showers pull away to east, partly cloudy by afternoon ... lows near 4 C and highs near 8C.

MONDAY ... Windy and rather mild again with showers, lows near 5 C and highs near 11 C.

OUTLOOK ... More intervals of showers and strong winds, but staying just mild enough to make most of the showers rain rather than sleet or snow. However, snow looks to be about 30-50 per cent possible during the week at some point, even if briefly and mainly melting on contact.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Very mild now in most regions with the exception of far eastern Canada where rain/snow mix will continue today with strong northerly winds. Otherwise, many places in the above normal temperature regime that is centered on Missouri to Indiana where it could reach 20 C today (Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.) ... mild across western Canada also, but becoming very windy coastal BC and Washington.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday was mostly cloudy with some light rain at times, highs near 8 C. Preparing for very strong winds here later Thursday.

M.T. Cranium

Friday, 25 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Blustery and colder with scattered heavy showers with some hail and thunder, these showers more frequent in Connacht, Ulster and north Leinster and also during the morning. Winds westerly 30-50 mph at first, although 40-60 mph in northwest counties, but afternoon should see somewhat less windy conditions with highs of 8-10 C ... rainfalls generally about 2-5 mms but locally could exceed 10 mms ... sleet or snow showers possible on high terrain.

TONIGHT ... Breezy with temperatures steady around 4-6 C but tending to rise in west as winds back to southerly. Mainly dry, isolated showers in north.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud with more sunny breaks possible in southeast, generally overcast by mid-day with strong SSW winds developing 35-55 mph, milder, highs 11-13 C ... some rain pushing into west later, becoming heavy and squally by evening.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... Windy to stormy conditions, SW 45-65 mph, squally showers, some with hail and thunder ... lows near 6 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, showers ending, winds diminishing during the late morning, then fairly pleasant by afternoon, highs 7-10 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy to overcast, rain late in the day, winds increasing again from southwest, reaching 35-55 mph by evening. Lows near 5 C and highs near 10 C.

TUESDAY ... Overcast, windy, showers. Lows near 4 C and highs near 9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Computer models are somewhat divided on the evolution later in the week and there are some indications of much colder air mixing in to provide a raw, almost wintry feel as well as the potential for some wet snow or hail mixing with rain. However, it may turn out a little more bland than that, so stay tuned.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Continuing very mild in most parts of the U.S. especially eastern half where highs will reach 20 C in many places on "black Friday" which has the reputation for being the busiest shopping day of the year due to the four-day holiday. Showers developing in the central plains states and rather windy across most of western Canada as a slightly cooler air mass pushes in from the west, however it will remain above freezing well north of the U.S. border.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday was windy and showery with a rather cold east to southeast wind reaching gusts of 40 mph ... highs 6-8 C were reached later in the afternoon than usual.

M.T. Cranium

Saturday, 26 November, 2011
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ALERT for strong winds peaking tonight across north Connacht and Ulster where gusts to 70 mph are possible ... peaking around 55-60 mph elsewhere from a SW to W'ly direction. Would expect the strongest winds midnight to about 0300h west, 0200-0600h east.

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, except variable cloud with more sunny breaks possible in southeast, generally overcast in all regions by mid-day with strong SSW winds developing 35-55 mph, milder, highs 12-14 C ... some rain pushing into west later, becoming heavy and squally by evening especially in Mayo and Galway.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... Windy to stormy conditions, SW 45-70 mph in north and 40-60 mph south, rain and some squally showers, some with hail and thunder ... lows near 6 C. Rainfall amounts about 10 mms on average.

SUNDAY ... Blustery to start, variable cloud, showers ending, winds diminishing during the late morning, then fairly pleasant by afternoon, some longer sunny intervals, but cool with winds about 20-30 mph westerly, and highs 7-10 C. SUNDAY NIGHT will be partly cloudy and rather chilly with lows around 5-7 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy to overcast, rain late in the day, winds increasing again from southwest, reaching 35-55 mph by evening, and highs near 11 C. Heavy rain in some parts by evening, 20-30 mms possible.

TUESDAY ... Overcast, windy (WSW 25-45 mph) blustery showers. Lows near 4 C and highs near 9 C.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY ... Windy and cool, frequent showers, winds WNW 25-45 mph, some mixed or sleety showers possible at times especially on higher terrain in north, highs only 7-9 C, lows near 3 C.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY ... Continued windy, milder for a time but squally showers developing, then somewhat colder again, possible mixed showers. Highs in the range of 7-10 C.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Eastern states remaining mild and dry, some hazy sunshine with slowly increasing higher cloud from west, highs around 17-20 C. Rain spreading north from Gulf of Mexico into south central states towards Ohio valley, some embedded thunderstorms. Turning a bit colder in some parts of the central plains, although mild air spreading in from west will quickly reverse that trend (highs 12-15 C in some parts of northern plains and 7-10 C even as far north as Canadian prairies, much above normal for this late in November).

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Friday was cloudy with some virga but no rain reaching the surface, light winds, rather cool but seasonable at 8 C.

Check the forum for updates on developing strong winds tonight, as I may be off duty during the afternoon/evening your time.

M.T. Cranium

Sunday, 27 November, 2011
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TODAY ... The strong winds should quickly abate this morning to leave a moderate westerly breeze 20-35 mph, partly cloudy skies and somewhat colder than recent days at about 9-10 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, breezy, rather cool but tending to warm up towards morning as cloud and wind increase. Lows 3-6 C around midnight.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with increasing southerly winds 20-40 mph, rain in west by afternoon, spreading across the country overnight (10-20 mms) with winds peaking at about 45-50 mph late evening. Highs 10-12 C.

TUESDAY ... Overnight rain gradually breaking to showers, cooler in westerly winds at 20-40 mph, lows near 6 C and highs near 10 C. A further 5-10 mms rain.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, windy, possibly very windy in west and north (SSW 35-55 mph and possibly higher gusts), showers or periods of rain, lows near 6 and highs near 10 C.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY ... Windy, rather cold, squally showers with hail and even some snow possible (the snow more likely in higher parts of the north), also some sunshine mainly east and south coastal locations, lows 0-2 C and highs 5-8 C. Winds moderate to strong W-NW.

OUTLOOK ... Breezy to windy, near normal temperatures by the weekend but another surge of colder air to come next week, not quite a "Greenland express" but looking cold enough for snow in parts of Connacht and Ulster around Tuesday 6th December. This cold spell will not last very long before milder westerlies return. You may recall my long-range outlook, no big changes for the main winter months, variable for December, cold in January, mild in February remains the forecast here.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Western Canada will be swept by powerful westerly winds from a rapidly moving storm located near the 60th latitude parallel which also happens to be the northern boundary of the four western provinces -- north of there, it's the "territories" (NWT and Yukon). Anyway, this region will see a blizzard while further south, very mild Pacific air will be rapidly driven out by arctic winds late today, leading to a flash freeze on the roads after some rain and snow. This front will then push south into the northern plains states late Sunday night. The B.C. and Washington coast will see gales and heavy rainfalls. Meanwhile, much further east, the mild, dry spell continues in New England and parts of the northeast states, while rain edges closer from the central plains. This system will acquire a southern energy centre late today and Monday around Atlanta GA which will pull in the cold air and prevent it from reaching the east coast. Instead, the low will deepen, push even milder and very moist air in from the Atlantic so that most of this week will be rather wet and mild in places like New York and Boston, turning a bit colder by about Thursday. The cold further southwest will lead to mountain snowfalls in north GA, the western Carolinas and eventually higher parts of VA and WV. The desert southwest, meanwhile, has cloud and showers from the trailing portion of the strong system further north.

(Edmonton Alberta could see a temperature fall of 20 degrees from 5 C to -15 overnight to Monday morning).

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was mild and showery with more of a thick drizzle than rain, but a soaker nevertheless. It was about 9-10 C. Expecting heavy rain and strong winds on Sunday.

M.T. Cranium

Monday, 28 November, 2011
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TODAY ... Increasing cloud where not already overcast, then light rain or drizzle gradually spreading across the west but staying mostly dry further east, mild in southerly winds of 20-40 mph (increasing later to 30-50 mph in exposed western locations). Highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Windy and mild, periods of rain with 10-20 mms on average, winds SSW 20-40 mph, foggy especially higher terrain, lows 8-10 C.

TUESDAY ... Rain becoming more showery then gradually moving off to east to allow some brighter intervals in west by afternoon ... winds veering more westerly before backing to south-west late afternoon, 20-40 mph. Highs about 10 C but possibly a bit colder by afternoon especially in Connacht.

WEDNESDAY ... Windy with squally showers, winds SW 35-55 mph, possible hail and thunder, lows near 5 C and highs near 10 C.

THURSDAY ... Rain continuing and becoming cold enough for some sleet or even melting snow before clearing begins late in day from northwest ... not expecting much if any accumulation but hilltops may turn white for a time ... just in time for December ... chilly although not overly windy in a moderate west to northwest breeze, temperatures falling through the range from 7 to 3 or 4 C. Icy sections on higher elevation roads by evening.

FRIDAY ... Scattered frost, followed by rapidly increasing cloud, showers then periods of rain, winds increasing to strong westerly by late in the day. Lows near -1 C and highs near 8 C. Severe wind gusts may develop especially in Connacht and Ulster, west Munster overnight into Saturday.

SATURDAY ... Very windy with hail showers, cold, snow possible on higher terrain. Lows near 2 C and highs near 5 C (somewhat milder near Atlantic).

OUTLOOK ... Unsettled, rather cold to about mid-week then milder.


NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Windy and cold in central Canada as a blizzard moves through the far north towards Hudson Bay. Temperatures falling from near 10 C early morning to -7 C by mid-day, but from Alberta west this cold shot will be very brief as another milder system races in from the Pacific. A modified version of this cold will be drawn into the western margins of a developing storm from the Great Lakes south to Alabama. Although much of its precipitation will start as rain, heavy snow may develop by tonight and Tuesday over the Appalachians. Milder air will hold firm over the northeast states and heavy rains may follow as the storm edges closer. Highs in the northeast will be 15-20 C. Southern Ontario and upstate New York are in a transition zone where it will be foggy, drizzly and about 8 C in northeast winds.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Morning showers, mid-day sunny breaks, very mild here on Sunday ... highs near 13 C ... has turned rather breezy (WNW 30-40 mph) since sunset. Much colder just north of here but this won't quite reach us before milder air returns from west. Earlier today, Calgary and other parts of southern Alberta had wind damage from westerly winds of 60-80 mph. There are some grass fires raging in the Lethbridge area due to prolonged drought. Although snow cover has become rather heavy in the Rockies compared to normal, there is currently only a trace of snow in most parts of the prairies, which is sort of a 50-50 thing at this time of year.

M.T. Cranium

Tuesday, 29 November, 2011
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ALERT for locally heavy rainfalls this morning in central counties, extending to Ulster by late morning. A further 20-40 mms possible with spot flooding. ... ADVANCE ALERT for strong winds and squally showers late Wednesday. Wind gusts to 60 mph possible.

TODAY ... Heavy rain will move steadily northeast from around Limerick towards Athlone and then eastern Ulster over the next six hours. Local flooding could develop as 20-40 mms falls in this region. Gradual clearing will follow in these counties by mid-day with winds easing for a while, then becoming WSW 20-30 mph, evening showers to follow. ... Further east, bursts of moderate rain and strong southerly winds to about 0900-1000h, 10-20 mms for Dublin and most other eastern counties, 5-15 mms southeast counties, and slight risk of thunder before rain eases to drizzle and then some clearing develops. Highs in all of these counties 10-12 C with a slight cooling trend in the afternoon. ... Western counties will see the rain ending soon, followed by a few clear intervals, then increasing cloud in the afternoon with a few more showers. Highs 8-10 C in the west.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, fog patches, rather chilly with lows -1 to +3 C, but temperatures rising again after midnight. Rain spreading into the southwest before morning.

WEDNESDAY ... Increasing southerly winds becoming gale force (35-55 mph) by afternoon and evening, rain and embedded squally showers with hail and some thunder, 10-15 mms rain and highs near 10 C.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ... Windy and cold with squally showers becoming mixed with hail and high elevation snow before morning, winds veering westerly at 20-40 mph, lows 3-7 C.

THURSDAY ... Some lingering drizzle clearing away to east then variable cloud and rather chilly, isolated showers possible, sleety in higher parts of north. Highs 7-9 C. Not as windy. Icy on some higher elevation roads after sunset.

FRIDAY ... After a cold start, becoming windy and a bit milder again with showers turning to a steady rain, winds WNW backing to SW 30-50 mph, lows near -1 C to +3 C and highs 8-11 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Models have been flirting with the idea of a very windy and cold weekend then backing off to less intense conditions, at the moment the best compromise is to say windy and rather cold with the risk of some squally showers and the slight chance of snow at higher elevations of the north. Wind speeds most likely to be in the 30-50 mph range but could be considerably higher if any further development occurs. Temperatures likely to be in the range of 7-10 C daytime and 2-5 C overnight, but with stronger winds might struggle to surpass 7 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Continuing rather unsettled and either colder than average or near average much of early December. Highs often in the range of 6-8 C. Lows 0-2 C.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Rain will spread further east across much of the northeast U.S. covering the larger cities, but it will be mild at 16-18 C. Some fog and low cloud with that, but clearing briefly around DC and Virginia ahead of a swirl of much colder air covering the inland Mid-Atlantic states. Some snow likely at higher elevations from GA north to WV. Cold to the west of this low, although above freezing with drizzle and northerly winds. A dry and rather bland pattern spreading from the Rockies east to replace Monday's blast of cold that is now being swept across northern Ontario into Quebec.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Partly sunny and seasonable with light winds, highs of 7-9 C on Monday.

M.T. Cranium

Wednesday, 30 November, 2011
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ALERT for strong winds and squally showers becoming mixed with hail and hill snow this evening in northwest Ireland.

TODAY ... Variable cloud, showers or periods of rain, becoming squally by afternoon with increasing SSW winds 35-55 mph veering to W 35-55 mph briefly this evening, possible hail and thunder, snow on hills by this evening. Highs 8-11 C but temperatures will fall several degrees with the passage of a cold front around 5-7 p.m. ... rainfalls generally 15-25 mms.

TONIGHT ... Windy and cold, mixed wintry showers becoming more confined to Donegal, Mayo and nearby counties as well as parts of west Munster. Not as windy after midnight as westerlies shift to WNW 15-30 mph. It may remain quite stormy in north Donegal and Derry-Antrim, part of an ongoing windstorm for western Scotland. Lows well inland and east, south coasts 2-4 C but holding near 5-6 C west coast.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud with some longer sunny intervals in the east-central counties to south coast, isolated showers mainly in Connacht and west Ulster. Highs 6-8 C, cool westerly to northwesterly breezes. There may be a period of rain by evening across the south. Roads becoming slippery after sunset away from milder south and west coasts.

FRIDAY ... Overnight clear periods especially north and east may produce light scattered frost, lows -1 to +3 C, then increasing cloud, breezy to windy (WSW 30-50 mph), highs 9-11 C, showers or periods of rain, becoming squally again by the overnight period.

SATURDAY ... Windy and cold, mixed wintry showers, winds WNW 30-50 mph and lows near 2 C, highs 5-8 C. Some snow on northern hills but hail and thunder quite widespread.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, then overcast with rain at times, becoming windy and turning colder again after reaching a high near 10 C mid-day. Winds veering SW to NW 30-50 mph (this could prove conservative) and showers becoming wintry late in the day as temperatures fall steadily.

MONDAY ... Windy and very cold, mixed wintry showers. Lows near -1 C and highs only 4-7 C.

OUTLOOK ... The fast westerly regime of rather cold "maritime polar" air masses will continue for a while, the next energy impulse is timed for mid to late Tuesday, then Wednesday could be another cold and squally day. Eventually this pattern should relax to a milder WSW flow but it could remain windy and unsettled with that.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Northeast states will see passing showers and the end of a mild spell with morning highs 14-16 C followed by a gradual cooling trend from the much colder air already present from Great Lakes south to the Carolinas. Highs of about 3-7 C in this region, colder at elevation with some snow in mountains of VA and WV central PA and later into higher parts of NY and New England. Central states warming up gradually ahead of a Pacific northwest low bringing mixed rain and wet snow across the western mountain ranges. This is interacting with seasonably cold air over the prairies of Canada to create upslope snowfalls near Calgary of 15 cms locally. Eventually a major snowstorm could develop in Colorado later in the week and a strong high will build over the west coast after today's weak outbreak of rain and hill snows.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Rain at times, gloomy but not very windy, about 7 or 8 C for the high on Monday.

M.T. Cranium

Thursday, 1 December :eek: 2011
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TODAY ... A much calmer day in most areas, although moderate westerly breezes 15-25 mph at times, scattered showers that may turn rather sleety or drop some soft hail in western counties mainly, while the sun makes an appearance further east ... cloudy near the south coast later with rain either along the coast or just offshore (2-5 mms) ... rather cold with highs 7-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, cold with frost forming, icy roads in some higher terrain and inland valleys, fog patches or mist ... cloudy near west coast later, winds picking up there ... lows -2 to +3 C.

FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud and rising WSW wind 20-40 mph, some showers by mid-day and intervals of moderate rain later, 10-20 mms by midnight in some parts of the west, highs 8-10 C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy and turning a bit colder in a fresh west to northwest wind 20-40 mph, some higher gusts in Connacht, mixed showers developing with the risk of snow on highest terrain, hail lower down ... lows around 2-4 C and highs 7-9 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY ... Windy and turning colder, snow possible in north and west (inland) and brief rain or hail showers elsewhere, some sunny intervals, lows near 0 C and highs near 6 C. Winds WNW 30-50 mph (some higher gusts especially in north). Morning frosts mainly in sheltered inland valleys, other places either a bit too mild, or too breezy.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY ... Milder again in a westerly wind, variable cloud, some showers. Highs near 9 or 10 C.

OUTLOOK ... Make a will (if you believe the 00z GFS run) ... seriously, the model consensus remains unsettled and rather cool, but one model shows an epic windstorm on Thursday 8th into Friday 9th. I am hoping this is a typical model teaser because even 75% of this storm would be nasty. With the full moon in that time frame, energy levels are high and a storm surge would accompany such a storm on the west coast. We'll continue to track this potential which has to be rated slight at this time frame.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Rather bland weather covers the eastern half of North America in the wake of the recent warm spell, and it's dry and about 5-7 C in most places, trending to 15-17 C southeast. A milder flow (20-23 C) is pushing out of Texas into Oklahoma and spreading east, with some rain developing in places, ahead of a developing snowstorm in Colorado and northern New Mexico. Cold with upslope east winds in the central-northern plains. Western Canada is under the benign influence of an elongated east-west ridge with slight frosts at night, mild daytime (6-8 C). The really cold air is bottled up north of 60 in the NWT circulating around a blizzard located in Foxe Basin (north of Hudson Bay).

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday was a crystal clear day with a high of about 6 C. At this time (11 pm) it is clear and about -2 C with frost forming.

M.T. Cranium

Friday, 2 December, 2011
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TODAY ... Overcast, becoming windy with periods of rain developing from west to east (dry until about mid-day in east) ... winds WSW 30-50 mph by late morning and through the afternoon ... highs 8-11 C, potential for 10-20 mms of rain.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, passing showers becoming mixed with hail in northwest, possible snow on hills, winds WNW 20-40 mph, cold with lows around 2-5 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy to windy, and cold ... winds WNW 25-45 mph, mixed wintry showers developing in parts of Connacht and Ulster, snow on higher terrain, fewer showers in general in south and east and these mainly rain with some hail, amounts 1-4 mms ... highs 6-8 C.

SUNDAY ... Early morning icy sections on some roads and isolated frost in sheltered valleys, lows -2 to +3 C ... daytime partly cloudy to overcast, windy and cold, mixed wintry showers with potential for 3-5 cms of snow on higher terrain in northwest ... highs 5-8 C. Winds WNW 30-50 mph.

MONDAY ... Little change from Sunday, windy and cold, mixed showers, lows near -1 C and highs near 6 C. Further accumulations of snow on hills in the north and west. Winds WNW 25-45 mph.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY ... Somewhat milder again, frequent showers or periods of rain, no frost but feeling cold in the strong winds, lows near 3-4 C and highs 9-10 C.

OUTLOOK ... The models have generally abandoned speculation about very strong winds in the outlook period ... considering their performance at that time range, this may mean they are finally about to happen (do you share my frustration?) ... the pattern indicated is basically more of the same, a parade of rather moderate systems in a cold to near normal regime.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The main feature is a sprawling high over central and eastern regions which is bringing dry, seasonable conditions to the east and promoting a milder flow into parts of the central plains. Yesterday, a storm developing over Arizona and Utah produced some very strong wind gusts into California and these may continue for part of today, with snow at higher elevations of the desert southwest and chilly rains in the valleys there. Highs may be held down to 10-15 C at best and -5 C on the higher plateaux (where I was baking in 35 C sunshine three months ago watching thunderstorms develop).

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... The first day of December was a dry, partly sunny day with increasing higher cloud, and cold at about 3-4 C.

M.T. Cranium

Saturday, 3 December, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, staying relatively mild across the south in westerly winds with some outbreaks of light rain or drizzle, turning colder across the north by afternoon with showers beginning to mix on higher ground with sleet or snow ... highs just a degree or two above current values, 10-12 C south, 7-9 C north, but these temperatures may fall several degrees during the afternoon. Winds WNW 20-40 mph with some higher gusts near west coast.

TONIGHT ... Windy, turning colder with sleety showers and hill snow, also some clear intervals, winds WNW 20-40 mph, lows 2-4 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, cold, windy (WNW 25-45 mph) with passing wintry showers more likely to be rain near east or south coasts but quite often hail or snow elsewhere. Highs 5-8 C. Some accumulating snow by afternoon and evening in parts of Ulster and north Connacht, mainly above 150m asl with potential for 3-5 cms overnight into Monday in some higher areas.

MONDAY ... Breezy to windy, cold, passing wintry showers, lows near 1 deg and highs near 6 except a range of 3-9 south coast and in Dublin city. Once again, the chance of rain showers would be higher in those milder districts. An interval of steady snow may develop in parts of the north later in the day.

TUESDAY ... Less windy with passing wintry showers, lows near -1 C and highs near 6 C.

WEDNESDAY ... An interval of rain or sleet then windy and colder again with passing wintry showers. Highs near 8 probably morning hours before falling off to near 3 C.

OUTLOOK ... While models are not in total agreement, windy and rather cold weather may continue for a day or two before a milder pattern slowly returns.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Mild and dry in eastern regions, developing snowstorm over the southwest states will spread snow out into central western plains states, somewhat colder to north in a developing strong northerly flow, cool and dry on west coast with the strong winds gradually abating over California.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... We have been protected from the strong winds further south by a nearby centre of high pressure, Friday was sunny and a bit on the cold side at 6 C, but pleasant in light winds. Clear and frosty outside now.

M.T. Cranium

Sunday, 4 December, 2011
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ALERT for wintry showers including some lying snow most likely in higher northern districts but possible for briefer intervals almost anywhere over the next two days. Roads may become slippery or even icy especially through higher sections of the northwest.

TODAY ... Windy and cold with showers becoming increasingly mixed with hail and snow, with eventual accumulations appearing on northern hills (3-5 cms) with a slight risk of thunder. A few sunny intervals will be mixed in for eastern and southern counties. Highs 5-7 C north to 7-10 C south. Winds WNW 25-45 mph with some higher gusts near west and north coasts.

TONIGHT ... Wintry showers continuing with some significant falls of snow in parts of Ulster and north Connacht. Local depths of 3-5 cms additional. The mix will be more rain than frozen precip towards Dublin and the southeast coast but elevation will play an important role. Winds WNW 20-40 mph and lows 1-3 C.

MONDAY ... Windy and very cold with passing wintry showers, some snow could fall almost anywhere in the mix, but 5-8 cms could fall in exposed parts of the north and northwest, as well as on higher terrain in the south and southeast. Some sunny breaks will develop in the lee of higher ground mainly. Highs 4-7 C and winds NW 25-45 mph.

TUESDAY ... Winds not as strong for part of the day, after a cold start with lows near -2 C in some inland areas, partly cloudy with more isolated showers, still some wintry, then winds increasing late in the day with rising temperatures, WSW 30-50 mph by evening. Highs by evening 8-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... A period of overnight (early morning) wind and rain, pushing freezing levels back up to near summits, temperatures steady 7-9 C, becoming very windy at times (W 35-55 mph) with slowly falling temperatures, returning to a mix of wintry showers later, as temperatures fall to near 5 C by evening.

THURSDAY ... Windy and cold, mixed wintry showers, lows near 2 C and highs near 8 C at most.

FRIDAY ... Windy and very cold, a chance of significant snowfalls in the north, lows near zero and highs near 5 C.

OUTLOOK ... Milder towards the weekend, details are rather uncertain, but it appears likely to return to at least normal temperature levels (highs 8-10 C) if not perhaps a little above that eventually.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... The mild, dry spell (highs 14-17 C) will be confined to the east coast as rain moves north in the mid-section of the U.S. towards the lower Great Lakes and Ohio valley, while snow spreads into the upper Midwest and western to northern Great Lakes. Some falls of 10-20 cms possible there. Cold air is left over from the southwest storm but precip will be more isolated, mountain snow and valley showers. A stagnant high over the west coast (near my location) is spreading dry, cloudy weather into the Pacific northwest, but cold northerly winds around this high are spreading some snow and sub-freezing if not unseasonably cold weather south from the arctic across western Canada into the northern plains states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was a cloudy, almost calm day under strong high pressure. The high was about 5 C. It has only fallen a degree or two this evening with patchy drizzle.

M.T. Cranium

Monday, 5 December, 2011
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ALERT continued for local snowfalls of 3-5 cms, mainly on higher terrain in the north, but some lesser amounts almost anywhere, leading to some slippery and icy sections on roads, particularly those in higher districts. There may be a period of accumulating snow tonight across parts of the north.

TODAY ... Windy and very cold with passing wintry showers, some snow could fall almost anywhere in the mix, but 3-5 cms could fall in exposed parts of the north and northwest, as well as on higher terrain in the south and southeast. Lower elevations in the south and west could see longer intervals of rain or sleet but the snow will probably dominate above 150m asl. Some sunny breaks will develop in the lee of higher ground mainly. Highs 4-7 C and winds NW 25-45 mph.

TONIGHT ... Further snow likely especially in the north, 3-5 cms additional accumulations. Variable cloud with mixed wintry showers elsewhere, cold, winds NW 20-40 mph, lows -1 to +3 C, watch for icy sections on roads.

TUESDAY ... Winds not as strong for part of the day, after a cold start with lows near -2 C in some inland areas, sunny east to partly cloudy west with more isolated showers at first, still some wintry, but rapidly increasing across the west, with winds increasing late in the day with rising temperatures, WSW 30-50 mph by evening. Daytime temperatures 4-7 C then Highs by evening 8-10 C in rain or drizzle.

WEDNESDAY ... A period of overnight (early morning) wind and rain, pushing freezing levels back up to near summits, temperatures steady 7-9 C, becoming very windy at times (W 35-55 mph) with slowly falling or steady temperatures, returning to a mix of wintry showers later, as temperatures fall to near 5 C by evening.

THURSDAY ... Windy with another surge of milder air briefly, giving some rain for most, sleet in the higher parts of the north, foggy at times, lows near 3 C and highs near 9 C. Turning much colder in the evening and overnight as winds veer from SW to NW at 30-50 mph.

FRIDAY ... Windy and very cold, winds NW 25-45 mph, with a chance of significant snowfalls in the north, mixed wintry showers elsewhere, lows near zero and highs near 5 C.

OUTLOOK ... Not quite as cold on Saturday although still unsettled with wintry showers at first giving way more to rain, then milder through part of the weekend. The unsettled pattern with occasional surges of colder air may continue for another week, but with considerable variation in temperature, probably averaging near or just below normal.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Rain will overspread remaining dry regions of the east but it will stay mild with highs of 13-16 C. This storm is not very strong and is being further sapped of energy by a trailing wave embedded in the colder air over the Midwest, which makes for a gradual transition across the Great Lakes from rain to drizzle, sleet and then wet snow. Accumulating snows of 3-5 cms are likely around Lake Michigan and in parts of the upper Midwest. Highs near 2 C at best can be expected here. Windy and cold in parts of western Canada, dry and seasonable on the west coast, and warmer in the southwest states as conditions slowly return to normal, although higher elevations there will remain snow-covered for a day or two yet.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday turned out quite sunny and rather cool with highs about 5 degrees. Clear and frosty outside now.

M.T. Cranium

Tuesday, 6 December, 2011
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TODAY ... Some bright or sunny intervals in eastern counties this morning, otherwise mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain (sleet at first on higher northern hills) in a raw westerly breeze, 15-30 mph rising later to 25-45 mph. Some squally showers late afternoon or evening. Highs 8-10 C occurring late afternoon or evening.

TONIGHT ... Windy, raw, showers with some sleet or hail on higher terrain, as mild air comes and goes rather quickly, leaving temperatures closer to 5 C after midnight. Winds westerly 25-45 mph.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, passing showers of rain or hail, with snow reappearing in higher terrain by afternoon, winds WNW 30-50 mph, highs about 8 C.

THURSDAY ... Milder with rain during the morning, temperatures steady 9-11 C until mid-day, then squally showers, turning much colder especially in north and northwest, as winds veer SW 30-50 mph to NW 40-60 mph ... squally mixed showers later, temperatures rapidly decreasing to about 3 C by evening and possibly as cold as -1 C by midnight. The overnight period will be very cold and windy with possible near-blizzard conditions developing in the north and higher inland parts of the west, and some of the heavier snow may reach further east and south as flurries at times, winds NW 45-70 mph in exposed areas (30-50 mph generally). Some snowfalls of 5-15 cms possible in parts of Ulster and north Connacht.

FRIDAY ... The windy, cold and (in north) snowy conditions will gradually give way to partly cloudy and cool conditions with less blustery NW winds at 20-40 mph by afternoon, highs 3-5 C.

SATURDAY ... Severe frost to start, lows -4 C on average, then partly cloudy to sunny, cool, highs 2-5 C. Much less windy.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy, showers turning to periods of rain, may begin as sleet in higher parts of north, lows near 2 C and highs near 8 C.

OUTLOOK ... Monday showery, milder ... becoming very windy and possibly stormy by Monday night into Tuesday ... watching possible development of a severe windstorm in Connacht and west Ulster. With this, the temperatures would be 5-8 C so precipitation mainly rain with some hail. The rest of the week appears likely to remain unsettled and rather cool.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Mild with rain in the coastal northeast U.S., highs about 15 C. Mixed rain and wet snow over inland parts of the northeast with highs 2-5 C. Snow developing over the western Great Lakes, 3-5 cms in places, highs near 1 C. Cold and windy further west, trending to milder near the Rockies with a chinook developing there. Sunny and cool in southern B.C. and parts of the Pacific northwest, while the southwest states continue to recover back to seasonable mild weather in the 15-20 C range.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday was sunny and cool with a high of about 5 deg C, and tonight it is clear and frosty with a nice view of the Moon close to Jupiter (you might have seen these setting if you looked out to the southwest before sunrise).

M.T. Cranium

Wednesday, 7 December, 2011
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ALERT for strong winds and locally heavy snowfalls Thursday afternoon and evening, overnight into Friday in some northern districts. The snowfall will be largely confined to Connacht and Ulster.

TODAY ... Gradual improvements as winds slowly abate to WNW 25-40 mph, and showers become less squally and eventually less widespread. Some sunny intervals may develop briefly before cloud increases again this evening. Highs 7-9 C. In parts of Donegal and north Ulster strong wind gusts may continue to mid-morning, W 40-60 mph for a while longer, then 30-50 later.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, winds backing to southerly and rising gradually to gale force in western counties, reaching 35-55 mph by morning (20-40 mph eastern counties and inland). Some outbreaks of rain, lows 4-6 C.

THURSDAY ... Becoming stormy especially in the northwest, as winds increase to SW 45-65 mph then veer rapidly to NW 50-75 mph (these values may be reduced by 10-15 mph in sheltered parts of southeast), with squally showers, hail and thunder developing, turning to sleet then snow in parts of the north as near-blizzard conditions rapidly develop there. Only flurries are likely in most other regions. Highs 9-11 C mid-day then a rapid fall in temperatures to near 2 C by sunset.

THURSDAY NIGHT ... Continuing stormy in Ulster, winds gradually abating elsewhere. Snow may continue at least intermittently in Ulster and some nearby parts of Connacht, Leinster, with 5-15 cms possible in total on higher terrain. Mixed wintry showers likely in all regions, some snow could fall almost anywhere as lows reach -2 C inland. Winds NW 50-70 mph in exposed areas until midnight then falling gradually to 30-50 mph by sunrise.

FRIDAY ... Winds should continue to moderate to NW 20-30 mph and most of the wintry showers or snow should end before mid-day to leave partly cloudy and very cold conditions with highs only 3-5 C at best. Some isolated further accumulations of snow especially in Antrim which will see the latest termination of the stormy conditions.

SATURDAY ... Severe morning frosts with lows -5 to -2 C then cold sunshine with increasing high cloud, light winds, highs near 3 C. Some sleet or drizzle may develop in west by end of the day. Winds rising in the evening from a southerly direction to 30-40 mph, rain spreading into southwest.

SUNDAY ... Although it may start as wet snow or sleet, occasional rain appears likely by morning. Partial clearing with blustery west winds developing, 30-50 mph, mixed wintry showers redeveloping as temperatures stall near overnight lows of 3-5 C and even fall to some extent.

MONDAY ... At this point, consider this an ADVANCE ALERT for potentially very windy or stormy conditions spreading rapidly into the west mid-day and reaching all other regions by midnight.

TUESDAY will continue very windy or stormy with squally showers, followed later by wintry showers. There appears to be potential for 60-90 mph winds (SW veering W) during this storm on the currently depicted consensus track.

OUTLOOK ... Cold, unsettled, some outbreaks of sleet or snow possible but longer-term indications show milder weather after about the 20th.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Rain continuing in the northeast from an almost stalled front, turning gradually to sleet and wet snow over higher elevations inland. Highs 12-14 C in the larger cities, 3-7 C not too far inland, then a zone of variable cloud with outbreaks of wet snow or sleet showers from lower Great Lakes to Tennessee valley, highs near 1 C. Further west and north, clear and seasonably cold under sprawling high pressure, winds backing to WSW over prairies allowing chinook warming to spread east. Light rain or sleet further west over Rockies and west coast. Clear and mild to warm over southwest.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Low cloud, drizzle, fog and cold at about 3-4 C all day. Little change this evening. Winds light easterly.

The forum has an ongoing thread concerning the Thursday windstorm, check that for the latest thinking on potentially stormy conditions.

M.T. Cranium

Thursday, 8 December, 2011
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ALERT for very strong winds in most regions, storm force gusts in the north and some exposed parts of west-central Ireland, also some snow developing rather quickly as temperatures drop rapidly this afternoon, snowfalls of 5-15 cms possible in parts of the north overnight.

TODAY ... Becoming stormy especially in the northwest, as winds increase to SW 45-65 mph then veer rapidly to NW 50-75 mph (these values may be reduced by 10-15 mph in sheltered parts of southeast), with squally showers, hail and thunder developing around 10h west to 13h east, turning to sleet then snow in parts of the north as near-blizzard conditions rapidly develop there mixed with hail at times, and possibly some thunder-snow. Conditions will be variable as streamers develop in strong northwest winds.

Only flurries are likely in most other regions and some sunny intervals may develop, with passing showers of hail, sleet and snow. Expect a very rapid decline in temperatures this afternoon and possible icy sections on northern roads, and elsewhere on higher terrain. Morning highs 9-11 C mid-day then a rapid fall in temperatures to near 2 C by sunset.

Donegal and nearby counties -- special alert issued for dangerous driving conditions, avoid unnecessary travel due to strong wind gusts, wind shear and local hail or snow making roads very slippery.

TONIGHT ... Continuing stormy in Ulster, winds gradually abating elsewhere. Snow may continue at least intermittently in Ulster and some nearby parts of Connacht, Leinster, with 5-15 cms possible in total on higher terrain. Mixed wintry showers likely in all regions, some snow could fall almost anywhere as lows reach -2 C inland. Winds NW 50-70 mph in exposed areas until midnight then falling gradually to 30-50 mph by sunrise.

FRIDAY ... Winds should continue to moderate to NW 20-30 mph and most of the wintry showers or snow should end before mid-day to leave partly cloudy and very cold conditions with highs only 3-5 C at best. Some isolated further accumulations of snow especially in Antrim which will see the latest termination of the stormy conditions. For anyone travelling or reading this in Britain, stormy conditions can be expected to continue in many regions all day there.

SATURDAY ... Severe morning frosts with lows -5 to -2 C then cold sunshine with increasing high cloud, light winds, highs near 3 C. Some sleet or drizzle may develop in west by end of the day. Winds rising in the evening from a southerly direction to 30-40 mph, rain spreading into southwest.

SUNDAY ... Although it may start as wet snow or sleet, occasional rain appears likely by morning. Partial clearing with blustery west winds developing, 30-50 mph, mixed wintry showers redeveloping as temperatures stall near overnight lows of 3-5 C and even fall to some extent.

MONDAY ... Continuing the ADVANCE ALERT for potentially very windy or stormy conditions spreading rapidly into the west mid-day and reaching all other regions by midnight. Very windy with rain, quite mild Monday, highs reaching 12 C, winds increasing to SW 40-60 mph, then storm force gusts developing overnight.

TUESDAY will continue very windy or stormy with squally showers, followed later by wintry showers. There appears to be potential for 60-90 mph winds (SW veering W) during this storm on the currently depicted consensus track. Temperatures will fall sharply on Tuesday with sleet and snow developing in many parts of the west, more showery further east, as temperatures fall off to about 2-4 C.

OUTLOOK ... Cold and windy on Wednesday, scattered snow showers, then yet another storm possible on Thursday into Friday ... this one is by no means "carved in stone" yet but early suggestions show the potential of strong winds in the south with a track across Ireland rather than Donegal Bay. This cold, unsettled pattern with the odd milder day should continue although possibly with a generally upward temperature trend towards Christmas.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Persistent rain in the northeast states finally ending with a bit of sleet or wet snow near the end although accumulations in some northern suburbs of the larger cities and certainly into rural areas nearby; however, there is no strong push of cold air and several days of dry, seasonable temperatures likely to follow the storm, which is about to bomb over eastern Canada late today, bringing them some heavy rain coastal areas, heavy snow inland (in NB, PEI, then Newfoundland).

It remains dry and somewhat colder than normal in the central states, with a milder trend likely to develop, and it's quite cold in western Canada especially east of the Rockies, while it stays cool and dry closer to the coast, under high pressure located just offshore but ridging inland towards northern Alberta. This pattern will promote a warm southeast flow into the desert southwest replacing the week-long cold snap with warmer than normal temperatures now, eventually reaching 25-30 C in places.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... After a cloudy start, the sun came out and it was pleasant although quite cold, highs near 3 C on Wednesday. Clear with some cloudy intervals overnight, frosty.

Watch for updates and be ready for fast changes today, and lots of chat in the forum threads on this storm as well as the next one (Monday-Tuesday).

M.T. Cranium

Friday, 9 December, 2011
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ADVANCE ALERT for potential severe windstorm on Tuesday 13th ... too early to be certain, but model consensus at present shows potential for damaging wind gusts over a wide area.

TODAY ... Cold and breezy with some sunshine breaking out in east and south, more frequent cloudy intervals and outbreaks of sleet or hail, some hill snow in north and west mainly. Further amounts generally small, equivalent of 3-5 mms liquid or 3-5 cms snow most likely around higher parts of Ulster. Winds slowly dying down but moderately strong westerly at times (20-40 mph) with highs only 4-6 C. Roads in some higher districts may have small but dangerous icy sections, caution advised.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, fog patches, very cold. Icy roads where untreated. Lows -4 to zero C (milder outer coastal fringes). Winds calm inland and light northwest near coasts.

SATURDAY ... Increasing cloud but staying dry in parts of east and south, sleety rain likely with hill snow (light) by late afternoon or evening in west, northwest. Winds moderate south to southwest, cold with highs 4-6 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, intervals of sleet or hill snow, cold rain showers near south coast, some slight accumulations possible higher western and northern districts ... highs 5-8 C. Winds moderate WSW veering WNW 20-40 mph.

MONDAY ... After a rather cold start, expect much milder weather on strong southerly winds, followed by periods of rain, lows near 2 C and highs 11-13 C.
Winds increasing to SW 35-55 mph and possibly higher by evening.

TUESDAY ... Potentially stormy with gale to storm force SW to W winds that could reach 50-80 mph in many parts of Ireland ... temperatures slowly falling to about 6-7 C with squally showers, hail, thunder and higher elevation sleet and snow by late in day.

WEDNESDAY ... Continued windy although less stormy, and very cold with passing showers of hail, sleet or snow. Temperatures in the range of 1-4 C.

OUTLOOK ... Remaining cold and unsettled, at the present time another storm threat appears on some charts for Thursday into Friday.

NORTH AMERICAN FORECASTS ... Most of the continent will have a quiet weather day with dry conditions prevailing. Labrador and Newfoundland, however, are being swept by storm force winds and snow in the wake of a low that has achieved 945 mbs in the Labrador Sea. This is not the storm due on Tuesday, but its parent low (the Irish storm is presently a weak wave forming along a front east of New England). ... Most of eastern and central North America otherwise can expect seasonable temperatures and variable cloud with just some light snow breaking out in weak systems over the Great Lakes region. Further west, another cool, dry air mass is sprawling over most of the mountain ranges and plains states, promoting a gradual slight warming into Alberta from a weak chinook that will at least return temperatures to near freezing. Very cold air is slowly spreading south across regions west of Hudson Bay where an old storm is filling up and being absorbed by the Labrador system.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday was another rather unusual (for December here) sunny and cool day with a high of about 5 C. This evening, there was a slight frost by 10 p.m. and the nearly full moon was quite bright. By the way, the Moon is due to be eclipsed on Saturday 10th but this will be visible in Asia and Australia, not Europe or North America. Caught a clear view of Venus just after sunset, slowly becoming more prominent low in the southwest.