Forecasters have ruled out a white Christmas this year

Our hopes have been dashed...

In recent weeks, we have been seeing the word "snow" in the forecast.

So it was only natural we got our hopes up about the possibility of a white Christmas.

image via pixabay.com

But alas, those hopes have now been dashed.

In its monthly forecast, Met Éireann expects high pressure to bring settled and dry weather from December 20th to 26th.

While temperatures are also likely to be slightly above average next month.

According to Independent.ie, "long range forecaster, AccuWeather, concurred with Met Éireann that Christmas week is likely to see cloud and sunshine with the occasional shower."

Temperatures of between 9C and 10C are being predicted from Christmas Eve to St. Stephen's Day.

While we're likely to see heavier showers on Christmas Day than either December 24 or 26.

But in good news, higher temperatures are expected to reduce the risk of ice for those travelling around that time.

Image by pixabay.com

Paddy Power bookies now rate Ireland as having only an outside chance of a white Christmas.

So it looks like we'll be waiting another while for the return of a white Christmas - but we're probably used to the wait by now.

The last time we had one was in 2010.