Urgent Weather Alert: Snow and Ice Create Hazardous Driving Today

UPDATE: Hazardous driving conditions are imminent as ice, frost, and snow are forecasted for Thursday morning following a night of freezing temperatures. A status yellow warning is currently in effect for five counties in Ireland: Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, and Sligo. This warning is expected to last until noon today.

According to Met Éireann, these regions will experience a mix of hail, sleet, and snow showers with minor snow accumulations, particularly in elevated areas. Rebecca Cantwell from Met Éireann stressed that these conditions could lead to “icy stretches and possibly hazardous travelling conditions.”

Travelers are urged to exercise caution as Thursday is predicted to be another cold day, with frost and icy patches lingering. While many areas may enjoy sunny spells, showers will persist in the northern and western parts of the country, raising the risk of further wintry weather.

Temperatures today are expected to rise only to between 3°C and 7°C. As the week progresses, Friday will start off cold and dry but will quickly transition to more unsettled weather. The forecast indicates a band of rain moving in from the west, bringing a return to drizzle and persistent rain by the afternoon.

Lowest temperatures tonight are projected to dip between 2°C and 7°C. Looking ahead, a significant drop in temperatures to as low as -4°C is anticipated before warmer conditions arrive with rainfall over the weekend. Saturday will see highs between 7°C and 12°C, as persistent rain begins to spread from the southwest.

Sunday is likely to remain unsettled, with widespread cloud cover and scattered showers. Strong to near gale force winds are also expected along the Atlantic coasts, adding to the challenging conditions.

Stay tuned for updates as these weather patterns develop, and ensure to check local advisories for the latest safety information. With conditions worsening, officials recommend that travelers take necessary precautions and remain vigilant on the roads.