WITH icy roads and even icier windscreens hitting the entire country, fire experts are urging the public not to make a hazardous mistake.
Naturally when many people go to de-ice their windscreens, they immediately think to pour hot water over it.
But according to Dublin Fire Brigade, this can only make matters worse when it comes to damage to your car.
They revealed that by pouring hot water directly onto the windscreen in hopes of getting rid of the ice, it could cause the glass to crack.
The Dublin Fire Brigade has offered advice on the best way to combat this.
They said: “Tips for the cold weather continue. Never pour hot water on your windscreen as it may crack.
“Instead use warm water in a zip lock bag and slide it up and down the windscreen.”
People across Ireland can purchase a pack of 25 small ziplock sandwich bags in Dunnes Stores for just €2.59.
And all you have to do is fill the bag with warm water, zip it up and place it on your car windscreen to rid it off ice.
They added that it is important to remember that your car has headlights, which can also be damaged by hot water.
They said: “Don’t forget if your car has led lights they don’t give off heat to melt the frost on your head lights and tail lights so do the same with them.
“Ensure all glass is clear from ice so you have full view of what’s around you.”
The lowest temperatures recorded overnight were in Kilcogy in Cavan, where they plunged to a bone-chilling -8.2C for a short time, and at Limerick Junction where they hit a bitter low of -8C.
Met Eireann has also confirmed that lows of hit -7.5C in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, -7C hit Athenry, Co Galway and -6.7 in Oak Park, Co Carlow.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing level in many areas today as highs “really struggle” between 0C and 4C – with Met Eireann reminding people that a bout of weather warnings are in place.
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.
A status yellow low temperature/ice warning remains in place until 12pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, every single county apart from Donegal remains under a Status Orange low temperature and ice alert until 11am today.
Met Eireann this morning slapped Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway, Roscommon and Tipperary with a fresh Status Orange low temperature and ice warning.
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.
Along with this, Met Eireann are warning of dangerous travelling conditions on roads and underfoot, travel disruption and delays and animal welfare issues.
