Met Eireann has extended a nationwide double weather warning until Friday in an unusual move.
It means the Status Yellow alert for both low temperatures and ice, which was first issued on Saturday, will now last an entire week.
It is one of multiple warnings announced as freezing weather threatens to wreak havoc for days to come.
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Temperatures will drop as low as -7C tonight, with severe frost, ice, freezing fog and wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow all forecast for the coming days.
Extending the warning for the entire country until noon on December 16, Met Eireann said: “Remaining very cold through the week with widespread sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches. Some showers of hail, sleet and snow will occur, mainly near coasts. Accumulations at lower levels are expected to remain low. Freezing fog will occur at times, with winds remaining light over land.
“Possible impacts include:
- Treacherous conditions on paths and roads
- Travel disruption
- Potential supply disruption
- Potential for burst water pipes and damage to engines
- Increased risks to vulnerable members of the community
- Animal welfare issues
- Slack winds over land leading to reduced wind power generation."
A more extreme Status Orange warning for low temperatures and ice kicks in at 5pm and lasts until noon on Monday. The nationwide alert reads: “A severe frost and further icy stretches will set in on Sunday night, accompanied by patches of freezing fog. Temperatures likely to fall below -5C in many areas.”
A third weather warning for snow and ice has also been issued for Donegal and Mayo. The Status Yellow alert, which lasts from 11.30pm until noon on Monday, reads: “Showers of sleet and snow Sunday night and Monday morning, falling as rain near the coast, may lead to accumulations in places.”
Meanwhile, giving its overall forecast for today, Met Eireann said: “Very cold today with frost, ice on roads and paths as well as patches of freezing fog, lingering through the day. Most areas will be dry with winter sunshine, though wintry showers will also occur - mainly in northern and eastern counties. Temperatures only reaching 0C to 4C in light, occasionally moderate, northerly or variable breezes.
“Bitterly cold tonight with temperatures falling to between -7C to -4C widely, dipping lower locally. Dry for most though wintry showers will occur, especially in the northwest with accumulations of snow possible. Freezing fog will also develop widely in a light variable breeze, falling near calm at times.”
Giving a timeline for when conditions may improve, the national forecaster said: “A good deal of uncertainty in the forecast from next weekend. Current indications suggest that while it will still be cold, it won't be as cold as previous days. Further frost, ice and wintry showers possible at times.”
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