Ireland is set to experience severe winter conditions with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as -10C next week, as Met Éireann issues a nationwide Status Yellow snow/ice warning.
The cold snap begins Friday morning with temperatures dropping to -5C, before a complex weather system moves in over the weekend bringing rain, sleet, and snow across the country. Met Éireann has warned that some areas could see “significant accumulations of snow” through Monday.
While Munster may see slight relief with temperatures reaching 5C on Friday, the reprieve will be short-lived. An Arctic airmass is set to establish itself across Ireland by early next week, creating what Met Éireann describes as “treacherous conditions” with widespread severe frost and ice.
Met Éireann meteorologist Liz Coleman explained: “It’s going to feel much colder than it has recently, with daytime temperatures in the low single figures and night-time temperatures falling below zero in most areas.” However, she noted that while cold, conditions will remain largely dry with sunny spells due to high pressure systems.
According to The Irish Examiner, the severe weather is expected to impact travel and services, with the public being urged to be mindful of hazardous traveling conditions and animal welfare concerns. The cold spell is predicted to persist through next week, though forecasters suggest it may gradually ease by the weekend.
In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a Yellow Ice Warning covering all six counties until 10am, highlighting risks on untreated surfaces and warning of potential injuries from slips and falls.