Cold snap could run into next week with possibility of heavy snow after

During the snow and ice warnings, Met Éireann is forecasting scattered sleet and snow showers. Snow is likely to accumulate on high ground. Picture: Larry Cummins

Met Éireann has issued three separate weather warnings as temperatures have plunged sending Ireland into cold spell set to last for over 10 days.

A status yellow low temperature/ice warning will come into effect for the whole country at 10pm tonight and will run until 10am on Friday.

Met Éireann is forecasting a sharp, severe frost with icy temperatures with temperatures widely falling to -4C.

This will bring treacherous conditions with a severe frost setting in quickly with some icy stretches.

There will be showers of sleet and snow, mainly across Leinster with some lying snow possible.

It will be a bitterly cold night with temperatures set to peak at -2C.

A status yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for counties Dublin and Wicklow coming into effect at 9pm tonight and running until 6am on Friday.

A separate status yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for Co Donegal also coming into place at 9pm. This warning will be in effect until midday on Saturday.

Patches of freezing fog this morning m, with some fog reported in parts of Carlow and Kilkenny. Take great care in freezing fog. pic.twitter.com/sPkFhpB8Mp

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 8, 2022

 

During the snow and ice warnings, Met Éireann is forecasting scattered sleet and snow showers. Snow is likely to accumulate on high ground.

Today, there is potential for black ice, freezing fog, and freezing rain so road users are advised to take extra care as they travel.

Showers will turn wintry with a light dusting of snow in some parts. These showers will become confined to the northern coastal counties and sunny spells will follow.

"Obviously, it is very cold, it is very icy and we have got a band of precipitation currently sinking down from the north of Ireland," said Siobhan Ryan, Meteorologist with Met Éireann.

"There is a real mix of rain, sleet, and some snowfall embedded in that. There is some potential for black ice in the leading edge of that in particular.

"Really treacherous, cold, icy conditions out there."

A status yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for counties Dublin and Wicklow coming into effect at 9pm tonight and running until 6am on Friday. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Met Éireann expects the sub-zero conditions to continue until at least Sunday.

The weekend will bring “a new set of problems”, said Ms Ryan, with freezing fog predicted for Saturday and Sunday resulting in impaired visibility and dangerous driving conditions.

Climate scientist Cathal Nolan has warned that the current cold weather could last until Saturday, December 17 with the possibility of heavy snow after that as “warmer, moister air” arrives.

Speaking on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show, Mr Nolan also cautioned that temperatures at night could go as low as -6C over the coming nights with daytime temperatures not likely to rise above freezing.

The Road Safety Authority is urging people to take care when travelling on the roads during this cold snap. You can find tips on how to prepare your car and drive safely in cold, icy conditions here.

Energy

The cold weather has also brought some pressure to the electricity grid with Eirgrid expecting the supply and demand margin to be "tight" in the days ahead.

Muireann Lynch, Senior Research Officer ESRI told the same programme that while wind levels are low at present due to the calm weather, wind energy had never been about security, it was about backup when “normal” electric generators were not enough.

The situation at present was better than had been anticipated back in the summer.

“Our worst fears have not been realised”, she added.

Gas usually provided 50% of energy supply in the country, but during the current becalmed conditions that could rise to between 60% and 70% which emphasised why gas would remain an important part of the energy system “beyond 2030” to provide security.

This winter reserve margins were not as high as “where we want them to be in case something goes wrong”, but at present between the various types of energy supply there was enough energy in the system, said Ms Lynch.

“We like to have enough energy generated to meet peak demand and have some reserve as a contingency,” she explained.

Advice for older people

ALONE has encouraged older people to stay safe and be cautious of falls by limiting walking outdoors during icy conditions in the days to come.

The organisation is also calling on the public to check in with older neighbours to offer help with practical tasks during the cold spell.

Seán Moynihan, ALONE chief executive said: “Following a drop in temperatures and a frost risk, we are advising older people to be prepared by ensuring they have adequate heat, medication and food at home. 

"Many older people are often hesitant to reach out and ALONE want them to know that they should not be afraid to ask for support if needed.”

Mr Moynihan added that keeping warm during cold weather "is not just an issue of comfort, but a health issue for older people and people with health difficulties".

“We know that cold homes are associated with health conditions worsening. These health conditions include respiratory and heart conditions, arthritis, minor illnesses like colds and flus, increased risk of accidents and injuries, and poor mental health. 

"While we know energy costs are high, we and other organisations will provide to support to older people who may be concerned about their bills this winter, and we would urge that everyone stays warm and safe in the coming week. If you have concerns or need support, you can call ALONE on 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.”