Snow-Ice Warning for Four Counties as Ireland Braces for Sleet and Hail

A snow and ice warning has been issued for four counties tonight, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing this week, according to Met Éireann. The warning will be in effect from 7 pm on Monday until 8 am on Tuesday, covering counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, and Leitrim. Poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions are anticipated.

In addition, a weather advisory has been issued for the entire country as a cold spell sets in today, lasting through much of the week. Rain is forecast for Munster and Connacht today, spreading northeastwards and becoming widespread later in the afternoon. Some of the rain may be heavy, and by evening, parts of Ulster and north Connacht may experience sleet or snow.

Temperatures will range from 3 to 6 degrees in the northern regions, with the rest of the country experiencing temperatures between 7 and 12 degrees. Rain will continue overnight, and by dawn, northern Ulster will see dry conditions with developing frost and ice. Overnight temperatures are expected to range from -1 to +5 degrees, with the coldest conditions in Ulster and Connacht.

Met Éireann meteorologist Brandon Creagh explained that a low-pressure system moving in from the northwest could bring rain today. As the system encounters colder air, it will result in wintry conditions, particularly in Donegal and the northern hills of Sligo. However, snow is expected to be confined to higher ground, and widespread snowfall is unlikely. Once the low-pressure system moves away, a northerly airflow will bring Arctic air, leading to significant frost and ice, especially where water has accumulated overnight.

While the cold weather is expected to continue throughout the week, most of the country will remain dry. Ireland has experienced unusually mild weather this month, with temperatures several degrees above the average for November. However, this week’s temperatures will be a few degrees below normal for the time of year.

The coldest nights are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight temperatures dropping to between -2°C and -4°C. On Tuesday morning, rain, sleet, and snow will move southward, clearing to the south by the afternoon, followed by sunny spells and scattered wintry showers in the north. Daytime temperatures on Tuesday will range from 3 to 6 degrees across the country, with temperatures in Munster ranging from 5 to 8 degrees.

Looking ahead, weather models suggest that low-pressure systems will approach from the west next weekend, potentially bringing milder, wetter, and windier conditions.