Met Éireann issues ominous weather warning as fears ‘Beast from the East’ will return

Cold temperatures are set to return

Just a few weeks after the country saw a host of snow and ice warnings, it seems cold weather is set to return.

Although it's been a few years since it took place, many of us will recall the 'Beast from the East'.

The 2018 weather event saw significant snowfall across Ireland, with bitterly cold eastern winds sweeping the country.

Although the latest forecast doesn't look quite that bad, it doesn't fill us with hope for mild conditions.

In a new seven day forecast, Met Éireann issued an ominous prediction.

In the forecast for the week of Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1, Met Éireann said: "A cool easterly airflow is likely to dominate bringing below average temperatures across the country.

"Rain and showers will likely lead to above average precipitation amounts for south and eastern counties, with more average accumulations further inland and below average amounts in the west and northwest."

In the shorter term, the weather forecaster said: "A cloudy and wet start for many Monday, with widespread outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Rain will gradually clear from the south and southwest through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 5C to 9C in light to moderate cyclonic variable winds.

"Any lingering outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the north will clear early on Monday, leaving a clear, cold and dry night for many, with areas of fog developing in light southeasterly or variable breezes. Lowest temperatures of -2C to 2C with patches of frost and ice forming. Towards morning, outbreaks of rain will develop in the southwest with freshening winds.

"Areas of fog will clear through Tuesday morning as it becomes breezy with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, gradually extending northeastwards through the day, alongside fresh and gusty southeasterly winds. Highest temperatures of 6C to 9C.

"Cloudy and breezy for most Tuesday night with limited clear spells developing and scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 6C, with moderate to fresh and gusty southeasterly winds.

"Breezy Wednesday with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. Highest temperatures of 6C to 9C with moderate to fresh and gusty southeasterly winds.

"Current indications show dry and bright conditions initially Thursday before a further spell of wet and blustery weather moves in from the Atlantic. Highest temperatures of 6C to 9C, with moderate southeasterly winds increasing fresh to strong.

"Likely continuing unsettled with further spells of rain and showers on Friday and for the weekend."