Temperatures close to -9C overnight and snowfall reported in Kerry

Tralee Wetlands transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow with the pond frozen as the temp was -6c in Tralee over night . Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD 

Temperatures last night plummeted to a frigid -8.6C as the cold snap that has gripped the country shows no sign of letting up just yet.

The low reading was recorded in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, with other areas of the country dropping as low as -7C and -8C on another cold January night. In parts of Cork, temperatures dropped to -4C.

Frost, ice and fog could be slow to clear from many areas on Thursday, according to Met Éireann.

A nationwide status yellow low temperature and ice warning is in place until midday as the latest cold-snap continues.

The warning came into effect at 5pm on Wednesday and the forecaster says it will be "very cold with severe frost and icy stretches" expected. 

Travelling conditions will be difficult, and the low temperatures may also cause issues for vulnerable people and animals.

Tralee wetlands transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow with the pond frozen as the temp was -6c in Tralee over night . Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD 

Amid the warning, the Conor Pass in Co Kerry is currently impassable due to freezing temperatures and should be avoided, according to Kerry County Council.

Snowfall has been reported in several areas across the county - including both Killarney and Tralee.

With snow remaining on the ground, motorists have been urged to "travel with care and allow extra time for journeys" as high ground and sheltered areas are "extremely slippery."

The council also warned that Farmers' Bridge road is "very icy" and should be avoided. 

"Gritter will treat road shortly but please use the N70," a statement posted online read.

❄️ ROADS: Farmers' Bridge road is very icy this morning and should be avoided. Gritter will treat road shortly but please use the N70 (main road).

— Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarraí (@countykerry) January 18, 2024

Another nationwide status yellow low temperature and ice warning will come into effect at 5pm on Thursday and will run until 11am on Friday.

This warning will again bring very cold weather with severe frost and icy sretches.

Elsewhere, a status yellow snow and ice warning is also in place for counties Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo until 11am.

According to Met Éireann, snow showers will lead to some accumulations.

Potential impacts may include some travel and service disruption and difficult travelling conditions.

Tralee wetlands transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow with the pond frozen as the temp was -6c in Tralee over night . Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD 

A weather advisory has also been issued for the entire country, with “sharp to severe frosts” expected, causing icy stretches nationwide.

The advisory, which came into effect on Sunday, will remain in place until noon on Friday.

"Arctic air will bring winter hazards this coming week," Met Éireann said.

Met Éireann added that "some sleet or snow will occur at times too, mostly for northern areas, and especially for hills".

Meanwhile, the UK Met Office has also issued a status yellow snow and ice warning for counties Antrim, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry.

That warning is in place until midnight.

Noticeably milder weekend ahead

Beyond the warnings, frost, ice, and fog will linger in some areas on Thursday.

Met Éireann says it will be dry and sunny for most of the country but "scattered showers of rain, sleet, and snow in the northwest will spread across Ulster and north Connacht though the afternoon and evening."

Highest temperatures of just 1C to 5C are expected.

Thursday night will be "very cold with widespread sharp to severe frost, icy stretches and patches of fog, or freezing fog."

Temperatures could drop as low as -5C.

Tralee wetlands transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow with the pond frozen as the temp was -6c in Tralee over night . Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD 

Friday will see a "cold and bright start" to the day, but not be quite as cold as previous days, with afternoon highs of 4C to 7C predicted.

The weekend ahead is expected to be "noticeably milder" but also wet and windy.

On Saturday, afternoon temperatures of 7C to 11C are forecast with fresh southerly winds.

Saturday night will be "mostly dry" with lowest temperatures of 2C to 5C.

Met Éireann says Sunday will be "very windy with spells of heavy rain and very strong, gusty southerly winds" but temperatures may reach 13C.

 A further outlook suggests that next week will continue to be unsettled with wet and windy weather at times.