MET Eireann has warned that temperatures could plunge to a biting -9C tonight as Ireland braces for a final snow and a fifth day of school closures.
A fresh Status Orange weather warning, which kicks in for 15 counties this evening, is expected to be “the last of this memorable cold snap” as the country looks forward to a much-needed thaw over the weekend.
Some schools in the worst-hit areas have also confirmed this afternoon that their doors will remain shut tomorrow due to the “dangerous” conditions in some areas whilst other schools have introduced later opening hours than usual.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group, which met again this morning to discuss the ongoing response to the cold weather, said that the majority of schools opened as normal this morning.
However, they confirmed that “several counties” affected by the piercing conditions have taken the decision to close schools and halt school transport services due to local conditions and safety concerns.
A NECG spokesperson added: “A decision to close a school is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country, as they are best placed to do this in light of local weather conditions, which vary significantly in regions. Safety remains the foremost priority.”
Met Eireann has hit Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway, Roscommon and Tipperary with a fresh Status Orange low temperature and ice warning.
And just hours later they updated the warning to include counties Donegal and Leitrim.
The 13-hour alert kicks in at 7pm tonight and warns of “extremely cold” conditions with widespread severe frost and ice, along with lying snow in some areas and patches of freezing fog.
The lowest temperatures tonight will reach down to -7C and -9C, with Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel confirming that only coastal fringes of the country will avoid Status Orange level temperatures.
He said that the Midlands, South Ulster and East Connacht are the areas “most at risk” of being hit with polar -9C conditions.
Met Eireann has confirmed that temperatures will creep up over the weekend, with highs of 8C on Saturday and 11C on Sunday – which is a 20C temperature swing after biting -9C conditions tonight.
Sunshine broke out in many areas today and thawed some of the frost and snow but Nolan warned that the thaw will re-freeze again tonight, resulting in more dangerous conditions in the morning.
He explained: “Freezing fog patches will also develop once again across the country, especially across inland areas where visibility may be temporarily reduced to less than 100m.
“Motorists will also have to contend with ice on any untreated road surfaces, especially after some snow and ice will have thawed in the sunshine today and will re freeze after dark.”
The weather boffin also warned that snow over hills is expected to fall after midnight in West Cork and Kerry.
The snow will extend north eastwards over the early hours of Friday morning, with West Limerick, North Cork and East Kerry again seeing some snow as well as the hills in Tipperary temporarily.
Precipitation amounts will be small but an additional 3-5cm of the white stuff are possible, with Nolan explaining: “The snow will only be of concern however above 150 metres where dew point and air temperatures will be sufficiently cool to allow snow to stick for a time, before reverting back to sleet and rain.
‘IT WILL NOT STICK’
“Lower levels may see wet snow or sleet, but it will not stick.
“This will cause some issues for motorists on the roads during the early hours with caution advised. The precipitation will generally weaken as it progresses northwards and inland.”
Met Eireann said it will be “very cold” across most of the country tomorrow morning, with widespread frost and ice or black ice.
And they said cloud and rain in the southwest will “slowly move northeast” across the country during the day, turning to sleet or snow on high ground.
Ulster and northeast Leinster are expected to stay dry.
The first signs of the cold snap easing come as temperatures peak between 1C and 5C, but it won’t be as cold in the southwest.
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: “While we have another bitterly cold night in store tonight, we may finally be reaching the end of this phase of severe weather, with temperatures expected to slowly rise from Friday onwards.”
‘KEEP AN EYE OUT’
But he warned that, for now, roads and paths “remain challenging” throughout the country and people should take extra care if they have to make a journey.
Leonard continued: “We are continuing to coordinate a cross-government response to ensure the most appropriate supports are happening at local level, and we remain particularly focused on getting those who are still without power or water reconnected as quickly as possible.
“Finally, I’d again like to thank people who have been checking in on vulnerable neighbours during this cold spell.
“We have another very cold day and night ahead, so please continue to keep an eye out for them and make sure they are ok.”
Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams are continuing to monitor conditions locally and emergency response teams are ready to respond where and when necessary.
COLDEST TEMPS EVER RECORDED IN IRELAND
AS freezing conditions and low temperatures hit Ireland, the country is set to bask in ice, snow and sleet.
With temperatures setting into minus figures, it won’t beat the coldest days ever recorded on the island.
The coldest areas in Ireland are usually found inland, with coastal areas benefiting from sea breezes to keep warmer.
Mullingar, Co Westmeath has the lowest average temperature at 9.3C yearly, but it is not the coldest ever recorded area.
Here are the areas in the country that have recorded the lowest ever temperatures:
- Co Sligo: On January 16, 1881, –19.1C was recorded at Markree Castle in Collooney.
- Co Kildare: On January 2, 1979, -18.8C was recorded in Lullymore.
- Co Longford: On February 7, 1895, -17.8C was recorded in Mostrim while the area also saw the coldest July temperature ever at -0.3C on July 8, 1889.
- Co Sligo: Again at Markree Castle, -17.2C was recorded on March 3, 1947, -8.3C on October 31, 1926 and -7.7C on April 15, 1892.
- Co Donegal: The coldest ever temperature in May on record was detected in Glenties at -5.6C.
- Co Offaly: On June 1, 1962, Clonsast saw temperatures drop to -3.3C.
- Co Wicklow: The coldest ever day in August was in Rathdrum with temperatures dropping to -2.7C on August 30, 1964.
- Co Wexford: On November 29, 2010, Clonroche saw temperatures drop to -11.5C.
- Co Mayo: Also in 2010, temperatures in Straide dropped to -17.5C on Christmas Day.
And local authorities are continuing to salt roads as well as footpaths in urban centres where possible.
Thousands were left without power after the severe weather hit but it was confirmed this afternoon that there are currently less than 200 customers without supply.
These customers will be reconnected today.
Met Eireann said the weather next week will be “dominated by high pressure”, which will lead to largely settled conditions.
The national forecaster said: “There is a signal for temperatures to be slightly higher than average for the time of year with precipitation amounts expected to below average.
“Given the time of year frost and fog may develop under these conditions with areas of fog and low cloud slow to clear during the day.”
