Sub-zero temperatures will bring snow and ice to parts of the country this week, Met Éireann has forecast.
Over the weekend, the forecaster issued a Status Yellow warning for cold weather and icy conditions.
Wednesday and Thursday night will be the coldest of the week but forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock said some parts of the country have already experienced a sub-zero chill.
“From last night into this morning, we’ve had a temperature of -3.8°C recorded at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.
“We’re going to see temperatures getting down to -5°C in many areas - particularly over the southern half of the country on Wednesday night and Thursday night.”
“It could absolutely drop down a degree or two lower than that.”
Frost & ice this morning, slow to clear❄️🥶
Largely dry today with spells of winter sunshine though some showers of rain, sleet & snow will occur, mainly in Ulster & the northwest🌤️🌦️
Highs of 1 to 4 degrees in mostly light northwest winds🌡️🍃⤵️https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/2hZzhflLFQ— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 15, 2024
Over the coming days, temperatures at or below zero will be “widespread”, with northern counties most likely to see colder weather.
“The areas most likely to see falls of sleet or snow will be Ulster and parts of the north-west,” he said.
“There’s already been reports this morning up in the North.
“Between tonight and tomorrow morning, there will [be]… rain, sleet and snow mainly over Ulster, north Connacht and north Leinster.
“Really, anywhere that will see any proper accumulations will be Ulster or the north-west.”
Road safety
Already this year, 10 people have died on Ireland’s roads, with a further two fatal collisions taking place this weekend.
Given the weather conditions this week, Mr Doran-Sherlock said drivers should take extra care on the roads.
“For most of the country, it will be dry,” he said.
“There still is a possibility of icy stretches and there will be frosty conditions and as well as that, there will also be patches of fog or freezing fog.
“So, these accumulations of hazards will really make it difficult at times and quite dangerous… on the roads.
“People really need to be careful, slow down and take extra precautions.”
Despite this week’s cold snap, recent months have seen global temperatures hit a record high and scientists believe average temperatures could reach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Main image: Lambs play in a snow dusted field in Ardenteggle, Laois in 2023. Image: PA Images / Alamy
