Met Éireann has forecast that the extreme cold weather gripping Ireland will persist until tomorrow, with a Status Orange warning for low temperatures and ice issued for 13 counties.
The warning covers Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway, Roscommon, and Tipperary, remaining in effect from 7pm this evening until 8am tomorrow morning.
Forecasters are warning of hazardous conditions, including widespread severe frost and ice, patches of freezing fog, and lingering snow in some areas. These conditions are expected to cause travel disruptions and create risks for those venturing outdoors.
Met Éireann forecaster Matthew Martin noted that the cold spell will continue through today and into tomorrow, with temperatures hovering close to zero nationwide.
However, a gradual thaw is expected over the weekend as milder weather begins to sweep across the country.
By Sunday, conditions will start to improve significantly, bringing relief from the freezing temperatures and icy roads.
The milder spell is set to continue into the early days of next week, with temperatures rising noticeably. Met Éireann has advised that while the thaw will reduce ice and frost, caution is still necessary until conditions fully stabilize.