The lives of elderly people at risk due to the cold weather. 

January is the month in which Irish people are most likely to die - accounting for around 10% of all annual deaths.

On average, 9,344 deaths happen over the winter months and between 200 and 500 people die from flu here every year.

People Insurance spokesperson Paul Walsh said older people are particularly at risk to diseases that are common in the winter months. 

“The majority of people who pass away in Ireland over the age of 65, it tends to be that period in which people seem to be more at home,” he said. 

“The weather seems to affect them and, definitely, the winter period has a big impact on that.” 

Ireland woke up to a winter wonderland this morning ⛄#sneachta https://t.co/Sucwpxx9oj

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 21, 2024

Ireland will remain under a low temperature and ice warning until midday. 

An Orange alert for rain will also be in place for Cork, Kerry and Galway from midnight tonight until 10am tomorrow.

A yellow wind and rain warning has been forecast for the rest of the country from 10pm. 

Many roads will be treacherous this morning and Mr Walsh urged drivers to take care this winter. 

“Unfortunately, it’s the period of the year in which we see the highest [number] of road fatalities,” he said. 

“There’s going to be shorter days, darker nights and the roads may be icing over and we’ve seen that in the last few days.” 

Last night, Met Éireann forecast the temperature could dip to -1°C in some parts of the country.

Main image shows a split of a pensioner and Wicklow in snow. Pictures by: Alamy.com