Schools to remain open as sub-zero warning extended until Friday
A heavy frost surrounds Bunratty Castle and grounds in Co Clare (Niall Carson/PA)
People have been warned to take care on the roads over the coming days as sub-zero temperatures cause hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
It comes as a status yellow low temperature warning has been issued for Ireland until noon on Friday, with temperatures forecast to drop below minus 5C in parts of the country.
Met Éireann said it would remain very cold through the week, with widespread “sharp to severe” frosts and icy stretches.
There is a risk of hail, sleet and snow showers near coasts, and freezing fog will occur at times.
On Sunday morning, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group convened to discuss the effects of Ireland’s first cold snap in recent years.
A subsequent press briefing was held to advise people to take care during the icy conditions – particularly to ask drivers to slow down and to check in on elderly people in their communities.
Public transport will run, and schools will remain open, despite the sub-zero temperatures in the week ahead.
The group say they are ''confident services won't be affected'' by the cold snap - despite flight disruptions and hazardous driving conditions.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group will continue to meet every day this coming week.
Passengers travelling home from the UK were among the worst affected by the cold snap.
Aer Lingus announced the cancellations of some flights bound for London's Heathrow from Dublin Airport due to "freezing fog conditions" across the pond.
The airline also warned passengers to expect delays on non-cancelled flights and further cancellations of other UK regional services.
It follows two days of extensive delays, with one group of passengers waiting almost 15 hours to board a flight to Barcelona.
Aer Lingus has advised passengers to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.
Aer Lingus' operations from London's Heathrow and other regional services were cancelled, while Ryanair says the airline was experiencing 'only some very minor delays'.
Gatwick's temporarily closed its runway tonight because of the snow.
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) December 11, 2022
A Garda spokesperson advised people to avoid walking with their hands in their pockets in order to protect themselves if they fall and to take an extra look before crossing at roads.
“As children these days often journey to school in the dark, make sure your child can be seen,” the press briefing was told on Sunday.
Those with two-wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes or scooters have been advised to take alternative transport as it is extremely difficult to control these vehicles in icy weather.
The Road Safety Authority is warning road users of the dangers posed by freezing fog combined with widespread severe frost causing a risk of icy roads.
Sea swimmers preparing for Christmas or New Years Day swims are being urged to be extra cautious of swimming outdoors during the cold spell.
International Ice Mile swimmer Fergal Somerville says water temperatures have dropped drastically in recent days and are now colder than they've been for three years.
Speaking on NewsTalk today, Mr Somerville said even experienced winter swimmers need to be extra-cautious.
"The water temperature for open water swimmers has dropped to about 3.8C around the country. That's a 6C drop in two weeks," he said.
"That's a big, big change for anyone swimming, so they have to take care."
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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