Met Éireann issues cold weather warning for entire country until next Friday

Forecasters are predicting temperatures near or below freezing in most areas, along with sharp and severe frost, icy patches, dense fog, and hazardous travelling conditions.

Met Éireann has issued a cold weather advisory for Ireland, valid from this afternoon until Friday, January 12.

During this time, the forecasters are predicting temperatures near or below freezing in most areas, along with sharp and severe frost, icy patches, dense fog, and hazardous travelling conditions.

While the forecast for the week ahead is generally dry and calm, pressure from the Azores will build throughout the weekend leading to colder conditions over the next few days. 

“It’s going to feel much colder than it has recently, with daytime temperatures in the low single figures and nighttime temperatures falling below zero in most areas," said Met Éireann meteorologist Liz Coleman.

🥶First cold snap of 2024🥶

Starting to feel like winter with cold & crisp weather expected for the weekend & into next week

For more details check out⬇️
ℹ️https://t.co/ktXtWjbfIg pic.twitter.com/qHtba8fHyN

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 5, 2024

"Widespread frost is expected with some ice, although generally dry conditions will limit ice formation to mainly areas of standing water or runoff. Nevertheless, do take care while out and about."

Ms Coleman said there may be some showers in the north and west this weekend, and in the east over the next week, but that rainfall amounts will be quite low.

"The cold temperatures coupled with near calm conditions means fog will also be a feature of our weather, particularly over the weekend. Dense fog patches are likely on Saturday and Sunday night," she added.

"With little wind to clear the fog, it may linger into the daytime in some areas leading to tricky travelling conditions. Our forecasters will be monitoring the situation and will issue warnings as required."

Weekend forecast

Met Éireann says Saturday night will be cold and mainly dry with clear spells and just a few isolated showers in the north. Temperatures may also fall below zero, with some mist and fog likely to develop in some areas.

Sunday will be cold🥶

It will start off with frost, ice and some dense fog in places🌫️❄️

Frost and fog will slowly clear with sunny spells developing in most areas☀️

Highest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees, possibly staying colder where fog lingers📉

Light variable breezes🌬️ pic.twitter.com/MaM0EXl1VQ

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 6, 2024

Sunday will start off with frost, ice, and some more dense fog in places, though this will clear and give way to sunny spells developing in most areas by the afternoon. 

Temperatures tomorrow will range between 2C and 6C in light variable breezes. Sunday night too will be quite cold, with temperatures again falling to -3C or so.

WEATHER CENTRE

Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.