Forecasters predicting big freeze this winter

Ireland is set for its coldest winter in years, with sub-zero temperatures, polar gales and heavy snowfall predicted to plunge the country into an Arctic freeze within weeks.

Forecasters have warned that mercury levels will start falling significantly throughout November, leading to a shivering run-up to Christmas, and an even bitterer spell throughout January.

Meteorologists said the combination of unusually-high Siberian snow cover this month, recent solar activity levels and volcanic emission patterns in Iceland, all point to a harsh winter ahead, with the severest spells of cold likely to occur between December and January.