Met Éireann has issued an Orange snow and ice warning for five Munster counties as Ireland braces for significant snowfall and freezing conditions from midnight tonight until tomorrow afternoon.
Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford residents are being urged to prepare for very difficult traveling conditions, with forecasters warning of poor visibility and likely disruptions to public transport. The warning comes into effect as temperatures are set to plummet across the country.
“We’re expecting particularly challenging conditions across the southern counties,” a Met Éireann forecaster told The Journal. “The combination of snow and ice will make both driving and walking hazardous.”
The west of Ireland will face the brunt of today’s cold snap, with temperatures dropping as low as -3 degrees. Northern and northwestern areas can expect scattered sleet and snow showers throughout the day.
The national forecaster has highlighted that the south and southwest will see heavy rain later today, which is expected to transform into sleet and snow as temperatures remain stubbornly low. The rest of the country remains under a Yellow low temperature warning.
Looking ahead, the cold spell shows no signs of letting up, with warnings in place until Thursday afternoon and forecasters predicting continued icy conditions for the remainder of the week. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop between 0 and -4 degrees, with widespread frost and ice developing.
Motorists and pedestrians nationwide are being advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the morning commute when ice is likely to be at its worst.