Met Office warns of freezing temperatures and snow showers this week in Northern Ireland

As the festive season draws to a close, residents in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland are being advised to prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures and the possibility of wintry weather in the coming days.

According to the latest forecasts from the UK Met Office, the week from Monday 29 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026 will bring predominantly cold and dry conditions at first, transitioning to more unsettled patterns with a risk of snow toward the latter part of the week. 

Current regional forecasts highlight the potential for frost, low overnight temperatures, and wintry showers that could disrupt travel and daily routines.

The Met Office’s long-range outlook indicates that high pressure will dominate early in the week, leading to settled but chilly weather. However, as we move into the new year, a shift to colder northerly winds is expected, increasing the chances of precipitation turning to sleet or snow, particularly in exposed coastal and northern areas. 

For Ballymena the forecast mirrors broader trends in Northern Ireland, with inland areas potentially seeing lighter impacts from any snowfall but still facing biting cold.

Early Week: Dry but Increasingly Cold with Freezing Nights

The week begins on a relatively stable note, with dry conditions prevailing across much of Northern Ireland.

On Monday 29 December, Ballymena can expect sunny intervals and a high of around 6°C, but temperatures will dip to a low of -1°C overnight, with frost patches forming in rural spots. 

Across the region, daytime temperatures will hover between 7°C and 10°C, but nights will feel markedly colder, ranging from -1°C to 5°C, though dropping lower in clearer areas due to a chilly northeasterly airflow.

Tuesday 30 December will see similar patterns, with clear skies and sunshine in Ballymena, but highs only reaching 5°C and lows plummeting to -6°C – a stark reminder of the winter grip tightening. 

This sub-zero overnight temperature could lead to widespread frost, affecting roads and pavements, and motorists are urged to exercise caution. In wider Northern Ireland, the emphasis remains on below-average temperatures, with frost developing under variable cloud cover.

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31 December, continues the cold theme. Ballymena’s forecast shows highs of just 3°C and lows again at -2°C, with mostly sunny and dry conditions but a slight chance of showers late in the evening. 

Celebrations may require extra layers, as the Met Office notes the potential for clear spells allowing frost to form by dawn.  Regionally, high pressure will keep things settled, but the low temperatures underscore the need for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, to stay warm.

New Year Transition: Showers Arrive Amid Persistent Chill

As we enter 2026, the weather begins to shift. New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January, brings light showers to Ballymena, with highs of 6°C and lows around 1°C. 

Precipitation chances rise to 80% in the morning, likely as rain, accompanied by freshening northwesterly winds up to 22 mph. In Northern Ireland as a whole, this marks the start of more changeable conditions, with a few coastal showers possible.

Friday 2 January sees overcast skies in Ballymena, with highs dropping to 4°C and lows at -1°C, feeling even colder due to brisk winds.  Showers may linger, with a 40% chance of rain.

The Met Office highlights that from this point, cold northerly winds will dominate, bringing wintry showers to exposed coastlines and inland areas.

Toward the End: Focus on Low Temperatures and Snow Risks

The latter part of the week brings the most notable wintry elements, with the Met Office warning of “wintry hazards to some places” as high pressure shifts away, allowing a cold, showery northerly flow to develop. 

For Saturday 3 January in Ballymena, expect overcast conditions with highs of 3°C and lows of 1°C, potentially dipping below freezing with light rain possible. 

Across Northern Ireland, snow is increasingly likely, particularly in northern reaches, with forecasts indicating snowfall extending into the province by early January.

By Sunday 4 January and Monday 5 January, the risk escalates. The Met Office’s regional outlook points to coherent bands of rain, sleet, and snow, with prolonged wintry precipitation possible in inland locations like Ballymena. 

Temperatures will remain below average, with nighttime lows potentially reaching -3°C or lower, leading to frost and icy conditions.

Independent models, such as WXCharts, suggest a “Beast from the East” pattern could bring substantial snow, with up to 9.5 cm expected in Northern Ireland during January on average, and specific predictions for snow clouds affecting northern areas from 1 January onward.

This aligns with broader trends, where a few days of snow are typical in January, and recent updates indicate snowfall within the first ten days of 2026.  While many inland areas may stay mostly dry but cold, exposed spots face higher risks of accumulation, potentially impacting transport networks.

Advice for Residents and Outlook

The Met Office advises checking for updates, as forecasts can evolve, and emphasises preparing for cold weather by insulating homes and protecting pipes from freezing. 

With low temperatures a key feature – often below freezing at night – and snow becoming more probable toward 5 January, this period could mark a chilly start to the year.

For the latest details, visit the Met Office website or app. Stay informed and safe as winter tightens its hold on Northern Ireland.