Ireland weather: 'Snow' falls in Dublin leaving shoppers baffled amid unseasonably mild forecast

Dublin's famous Grafton Street was dusted with a blanket of 'snow' on Tuesday evening, sparking excitement and confusion among shoppers who were caught off guard.

Onlookers couldn't believe their eyes as flurries of the white stuff swirled down the busy shopping street, with many stopping to take pictures and admire the unexpected winter wonderland.

But amid an unseasonably mild November, it soon became clear that the 'snow' was not the result of a sudden weather change - but instead an eye-catching marketing stunt.

It has been revealed that Marks and Spencer, celebrating the launch of its Christmas offerings, set up the festive display to give an early taste of the season's cheer. The retailer shared a snap of the spectacle on its Instagram, writing: "Have you heard? Christmas starts here..."

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While Dubliners enjoyed the early festive cheer, those dreaming of some genuine snow will have to wait a little longer.

Met Eireann's latest monthly forecast, published yesterday, predicts a calm and mild spell in the weeks ahead, with high-pressure systems bringing pleasant and uncharacteristically warm weather. However, the meteorological agency did warn that a shift towards more typical autumn conditions - such as blustery winds and rain - could take hold during one particular week, though there's no sign of snow just yet.

According to the national forecaster, from Monday, November 11 to Sunday, November 17, Ireland will enjoy a spell of dry and mild conditions, with lighter winds and well-above average temperatures.

As we move into the second week of Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24, the grip of high pressure is expected to weaken. While southern counties may still enjoy mainly dry conditions, the north could see the first signs of wet weather. Temperatures will continue to hold steady, remaining above average.

The forecast for the third week, spanning Monday, November 25 to Sunday, December 1, signals a return to more typical November weather, with high pressure drifting away. A trend towards unsettled conditions is anticipated, bringing rain and possibly wind to many areas. Temperatures are also forecast to drop to “just slightly” above-average.

Finally, as we head into the first week of December (2nd to 9th), the forecast suggests that while high pressure will still be present, it will only be slightly dominant. A mix of unsettled weather and drier intervals is likely, with temperatures continuing above the seasonal norm.

Ireland's monthly forecast

A blissful start - Monday, November 11 to Sunday, November 17

Met Eireann said: "With high pressure likely remain a dominant influence over the weather in the week its set to remain much drier and overall calmer than average too with lighter winds. Very mild air temperatures also expected and that coupled with warm air moving in aloft it will likely remain very calm and benign."

Signs of change - Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24

The national forecaster continued: "High pressures influence is set to wane a little but overall it will remain above average for this time of year. Mainly drier across southern counties too but there are signs of some wet weather for the far north but overall temperatures will keep rather mild. Air temperatures are set to remain above average with higher temperatures aloft keeping the weather mostly benign."

Unsettled weather arrives - Monday, November 25 to Sunday, December 1

The meteorological agency added: "High pressure continues to drift away with more of a trend back to normal values as we continue into week 3. This will allow for some unsettled weather to drift in from the north with most areas likely to see some wet weather during the week. Temperatures are still likely to remain above average however just slightly."

Mixed conditions persist - Monday, December 2 to Sunday, December 8

The forecast concludes: "High pressure while slowly weakening looks to remain dominant but only slightly. Overall the general trend is for some unsettled weather but with some drier intervals too. Temperatures are set to remain above average."

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