Ireland Braces for Weekend of Freezing Temperatures and Wintry conditions
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Ireland is preparing for a significant cold snap this weekend, with Met Éireann issuing multiple status yellow weather warnings for snow, ice, and low temperatures. Temperatures are forecast to plummet to as low as -4 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about hazardous travel conditions and potential disruption.
The recent mild weather across the country is set to give way to a much colder pattern, with widespread frost and ice expected. A forecaster with Met Éireann emphasized the potential dangers, notably for those returning to work and school on Monday.
Widespread Warnings in effect
A status yellow snow and ice warning is currently in effect for Donegal,beginning at 8 PM Friday and lasting until 11 AM Saturday. further warnings have been issued for a broader swathe of the country.
A status yellow temperature and ice warning covers all of Munster, as well as Connacht, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, offaly, Wexford, wicklow, and Waterford, valid from 9 PM friday to 11 AM Saturday. These warnings highlight the risk of icy stretches on roads and footpaths.
Travel disruption Possible
Met Éireann has cautioned that snow accumulations and sharp or severe frost and ice are likely during this period. The UK Met office has also issued a status yellow snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland, effective from 3 PM Friday to noon Saturday, citing potential disruption to travel throughout the weekend and into Monday morning.
According to a forecaster, while widespread snow is not anticipated, accumulations are most probable in the north and northeast of the country. “It’s quite short lived. it’s Saturday, Sunday and into Monday. The concern right now is the frost and ice developing over night, under clear skies,” the forecaster stated. the primary concern centers on the potential for untreated frost to create hazardous conditions on roads and walkways, particularly during the morning commute.
Regional Forecast breakdown
Friday will see cloud and patchy rain over the southern half of Ireland, giving way to sunny spells and scattered showers in the afternoon.Ulster and Connacht are expected to experience falls of sleet or snow. Friday night will be notably cold, with frost and ice developing under clear skies, and continued sleet and snow in Ulster and Connacht. Temperatures will range between -2 and 3 degrees Celsius.
Saturday will bring plenty of sunshine, but scattered wintry showers will persist in Ulster and Connacht. Dublin is expected to remain largely dry, with only a small chance of showers. Cork is forecast to be colder than eastern regions on Saturday night, with lows reaching -4 degrees Celsius.
Sunday will be cold, with sharp to severe frosts developing overnight, potentially lingering into the day. Wintry showers are expected, primarily in the north and northwest. Sunday night will be very cold and mostly dry, with further showers in the north and west, and temperatures dropping to -4 degrees Celsius.
Monday night will remain cold, with temperatures between -4 and 0 degrees Celsius.A turning point is expected on tuesday, with cloud building from the west and the return of rain in the west and southwest.
Outlook for the Week Ahead
Met Éireann acknowledges “some uncertainty” regarding the long-term forecast, but current indications suggest further unsettled conditions. The arrival of cold air from the arctic, combined with landmass interaction, is driving the current weather pattern. “We’re having all of that northerly cold air coming from the Arctic. When that air arrives at land, you get those showers. That’s just the nature of why we’re seeing it,” a forecaster explained.
