Snow and sleet due in coming days

SNOW and subzero conditions are expected to return in the coming days, but they will not be as severe or prolonged as over the holiday period.

According to Met Éireann, outbreaks of snow and sleet will spread to much of Leinster this afternoon, while accumulations of snow in the south and east will be about 3cm to 5cm.

However it is expected that the last of the snow and sleet will clear tomorrow with most parts of the country staying dry and bright for the day.

Temperatures will remain low, with highest values between 2C and 5C, while tomorrow night will be clear but cold and frosty.

The early days of next week will bring milder weather as temperatures jump to 9C or 10C, though heavy rain is also expected.

Water restrictions are continuing in parts of the greater Dublin area today, while restoration of reservoir levels is ongoing in Clare, Galway, Laois, and Sligo.

Cork City Council has lifted night-time restrictions on water supplies and said that repairs will continue to be carried out over the coming weeks.

Restrictions in Limerick county have been lifted due to recovery in the level of water in reservoirs, however Limerick County Council are advising the public that boil water notices imposed in parts of Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Newcastle West are still in place.

Meanwhile, AA Ireland is advising motorists across the country to carry out any necessary maintenance work before the return of subzero temperatures.

According to AA Rescue, more than 500 breakdowns, many of which involved flat batteries, were attended to by AA Patrols each day last December.

Head of AA Technical Services Dave Murphy appealed to motorists to ensure their batteries, cooling systems, tyres and wipers are in top condition.

“It’s important that we take heed of the lessons learned during December and ensure that our cars are equipped to cope with any further onsets of freezing weather that occur and if your car is due for a service now is the time to slot it in.”