The Daily Star Ireland
The bitterly cold Arctic air that has gripped the country for several days is finally starting to move away, and the last weather warnings from the recent cold snap have now been lifted.
Although conditions remain chilly, Met Éireann reported that a weather front has been gradually moving northeast over the country since last night. This will result in a slight rise in temperatures over the coming days. Initially, this front is expected to bring sleet and snow on higher ground, but it will gradually transition to rain as the day progresses.
Overnight, temperatures dropped below -6°C in some areas, with a low of -6.6°C recorded at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon. Throughout the week, Met Éireann issued a series of Status Orange and Yellow warnings for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The final Status Yellow warning, which applied to the entire country, expired at midday today.
Eoin Sherlock, Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting, stated that the prolonged period of cold and disruptive weather is set to end this weekend. However, he cautioned that hazardous conditions, particularly in areas heavily affected by snow and ice, may persist for the remainder of today.
Services affected by the extreme weather are slowly returning to normal. ESB Networks and Uisce Éireann have confirmed that the majority of customers who experienced power or water outages have now had their services restored. The severe cold prompted public transport disruptions, school closures, and limitations on healthcare services during the week.
Temperatures are expected to remain just above freezing tonight, ranging from 4°C to 8°C on Saturday. By Sunday, conditions are forecasted to improve further, with highs reaching 8°C to 11°C as a milder airmass settles over the country.
