The National Emergency Coordination Group is expected to meet every day this week as the cold snap continues.

A Status Orange low temperature/ice warning is due to remain in place for the whole country until midday today.

Met Éireann said severe frost and further icy stretches would set in overnight, accompanied by patches of freezing fog.

It warned that temperatures below -5C were possible in many places.

Bright & bitterly cold this morning with frost, ice and freezing fog, which may linger through much of the day🥶🥶

Wintry showers in the northwest, largely dry elsewhere🌨️

Temperatures will reach just -2 to +4°C, remaining below freezing for much of the north midlands📉🌡️ pic.twitter.com/nnf37eX3xK

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 12, 2022

Things are expected to remain “very cold” through the week with widespread sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches.

Meanwhile, areas near the coasts can expect some showers of hail, sleet and snow with freezing fog expected in places.

The National Emergency Coordination Group will today discuss managing the arctic blast which will last until Friday.

Energy

The group is ''confident'' schools and public transport will stay open – but Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is advising people to take care.

He noted that nobody will be cut off from energy or heat as the cold weather continues.

“That is absolute,” he said.

“We are making payments with regard to the energy credits but also for those who are on low incomes and social protection to make sure that the funds are in place.

“If somebody is in financial difficulty post the winter, there are mechanisms within the department of social protection to assist them.

“So, what I would say to people is, look, keep yourself warm.”

Drivers

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority is warning drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads during the cold spell.

Communications Manager with the RSA Brian Farrell says motorists need to exercise caution.

“Check the local weather conditions and the road conditions in the area,” he said.

“Make sure your car is clear of any frost or ice before you set out on the journey,” he said.

“Use a screen-scraper or de-icer. Don’t use hot water because this can crack the glass.

“I suppose once you are out there on the roads, just gently does it. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave an extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.”

"Very cold"

Status Yellow warnings are due to remain in place countrywide until Friday,

Meanwhile, snow and ice warnings will remain in place in Donegal and Mayo until this afternoon.