Wrap up well for cold snap over the weekend

It will be a cold and frosty weekend as temperatures plummet with a risk of hail, sleet and possibly a little snow on high ground.

There has been a significant change in the weather after an unseasonably mild start to the month, but winter has, indeed, arrived.

“We are in a cold weather period now, and it is going to stay on the cold side of normal for the next four or five days at least, “ said Met Eireann forecaster Pat Clarke.

“Overall, we are looking at a reasonable amount of dry weather over the weekend, but it will be cold by day and frosty by night.”

Today will be cold and dry in many areas. Good sunshine in the morning will help to remove the frost and fog.

“There will be a lot of dry weather (on Saturday) but it is going to be very cold with temperatures between four and eight degrees,” said Mr Clarke.

The forecaster said cloud would develop along the south coast in the afternoon, with some icy rain and even sleet falling before nightfall. It will be freezing tonight with lowest temperatures falling to between -3C to -1C.

There will be outbreaks of rain or sleet tomorrow morning but the day will be mostly dry with sunny spells. It will remain cold, and a widespread frost is expected overnight.

The early days of next week will continue to be cold with scattered showers and good sunny spells.“It’s a big change but not unusual for November. We often get wet, stormy weather or cold frosty weather during the month. It is one or the other,” said Mr Clarke.

AA Rescue is planning for a surge in car breakdowns in the coming weeks. With an increase in hazardous weather conditions and a lot less daylight, motorists are at a higher risk of having their vehicle break down.

“We will have extra resources out, and we’ll have stocks of batteries but if your car is due a service then now is the time to get it done.” said the AA’s Conor Faughnan