Warning as temperatures expected to plunge to -5C across Ireland
Spreading salt on the footpaths outside the Cork University Hospital, Cork after an ice weather warning was issued. Picture: Dan Linehan
A low-temperature warning was announced for Ireland on Monday, with parts of the country expected to experience a drop to -5C overnight and into Tuesday.
Met Éireann forecasts lingering frost, icy patches, and mist with the highest temperatures throughout the day between 2C and 6C.
It said Monday night will be “very cold” with icy patches and a widespread sharp to severe frost.
The agency announced a Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning for the whole country due to the cold conditions, scheduled for between 9pm on Monday and 10am on Tuesday.
Forecasters said the lowest temperatures overnight would be between -5C and 1C in light easterly breezes.
Gardaí are advising road users to exercise caution when travelling due to adverse weather conditions across the country.
Severe icy road conditions across Cork resulted in multiple road traffic incidents on Monday.
Temperatures plunged below freezing overnight and despite Cork City Council treating several priority routes, a rain shower at around 4am saw several roads ice over again, leading to treacherous conditions for early morning commuters.
Roads across the city’s northside were amongst the worst affected.
Elsewhere, Cork City Council said it has reopened its application process for suburban salt bins for community groups and resident associations only to treat local problematic areas.
The applicant who requests the salt will have to provide a secure location where the salt can be delivered and stored.
“The provision of the salt is primarily intended to empower local communities to assist themselves during a cold spell. It is not intended for personal use, as individuals would be expected to acquire their own salt supplies,” it said.
Once distributed to a community group or resident association the salt will become the property of the group, and the council said it is not responsible for the storage, distribution, application or usage of salt from then on.
The form will be available until March 31.
In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office also forecast bitterly cold temperatures for Monday night.
It said there would be widespread frost and a minimum temperature of -4C.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly on untreated roads.
It said freezing temperatures have caused widespread ice throughout the road network.
In a statement, it said: “Stick to main, gritted roads when possible. Slow down, and increase your braking distance from the vehicle in front.”
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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