Things are set to get “significantly colder” with frost, ice and shower on the way next week.
Met Eireann has issued a new weather advisory ahead of the arrival of an Arctic airmass that will bring sub-zero temperatures to many parts of the country.
The forecast is still uncertain for Sunday and Monday with a low-pressure system passing over Ireland – with the real “cold and wintry weather” due to hit between Tuesday and Friday.
Hazardous ground conditions are expected due to frost and ice with cold day and night-time temperatures.
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Met Éireann is warning people to expect poor visibility in any wintry showers.
Met Éireann’s Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman said the cold snap will give people “quite a shock” after an “unusually mild” start to November.
“There is a high degree of certainty that by next Tuesday it is going to turn much colder as an Arctic airmass sinks over the country from the north,” she said.
“Daytime temperatures will often range around 2 to 6 degrees with night-time temperatures widely falling below freezing, bringing widespread frost and ice.
The “northerly airflow” is expected to bring showers of sleet and snow – again, mostly over the northern half of the country.
“These conditions will bring some hazardous travelling conditions, travel disruptions and poor visibility,” Ms Coleman said.
“The extent of the wintry showers in terms of snow is still unclear, but we will have more information as Met Éireann’s high resolution model comes into play, which provides forecast information two days ahead.
“The cold northerly airmass looks set to linger over Ireland until next Friday at least, but possibly into next weekend too, although uncertainty increases after Friday, November 22nd.”
Met Éireann have warned people to wrap up well, be aware of poor visibility, and make sure animals are warm enough.
Main image: Winter snow in Co Wicklow, 10-2-16. Image: Bernard Golden / Alamy