The Daily Star Ireland
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly next week, with Met Éireann forecasting a potential for substantial snowfall due to an incoming arctic air mass that will bring extremely cold conditions.
The forecast indicates that this cold snap will persist through the end of the next week.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has stated that it is in communication with Met Éireann regarding the possibility of disruptive weather over the weekend.
A Status Yellow warning for low temperatures and ice has been issued nationwide from 6pm this evening until 11am tomorrow, with temperatures possibly falling to -5C in certain areas.
Met Éireann has warned of widespread frost and ice, advising of potentially hazardous travel conditions and concerns for animal welfare.
Brandon Creagh, a Met Éireann forecaster, mentioned that there could be “widespread” sleet and snow in some counties over the next few days.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he noted that “quite cold temperatures” are expected today, tomorrow, and into Saturday. As Saturday approaches, a low-pressure system is predicted to move near or over the country, interacting with the cold weather and potentially bringing widespread sleet or even snowfall accumulations to some counties. The transition from Saturday into Sunday is expected to bring the most impactful weather.
Temperatures on Monday and Tuesday could plummet to as low as -10C, with possible wintry showers and freezing fog in some areas.
Mr. Creagh advised the public to stay updated through the Met Éireann website over the next few days for further information.
Met Éireann has highlighted that the coming days will be very cold with “some very disruptive and impactful weather likely,” including heavy rain, sleet, and “some disruptive amounts of snow.”
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is closely monitoring the situation, and a Met Éireann technical briefing for stakeholders, including Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams, is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for ice in Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, and Derry, cautioning that icy surfaces could lead to difficult travel conditions. This warning is in effect from 5pm this afternoon until 10am tomorrow.
