A series of status yellow weather warnings are in effect across Ireland this weekend as temperatures are forecast to plummet to as low as -4 degrees, according to Met Éireann.
Widespread Warnings Issued
The recent mild weather is expected to give way to significantly colder conditions, with wintry showers potentially leading to snow accumulations and hazardous travel conditions. A status yellow snow and ice warning is currently in place for Donegal, beginning at 8pm Friday and lasting until 11am Saturday.
A status yellow temperature and ice warning covers Munster, as well as Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow, beginning at 6pm Saturday and continuing until 11am Sunday. Additional status yellow snow and ice warnings will be in effect for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, and Louth from 6pm Saturday to 11am Sunday, and again from 6pm Sunday to 11am Monday.
During both warning periods for the northern and western counties, a status yellow low temperature and ice warning will also be in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow and Munster.
Travel Concerns and Forecast Details
Met Éireann has cautioned that snow accumulations and the formation of sharp or severe frost and ice are likely during the warned periods. Forecaster Holly O’Neill noted that while widespread snow is unlikely, any accumulations are most probable in the north and northeast of the country. She emphasized the short duration of the cold snap – Saturday, Sunday, and into Monday – but highlighted the risk of dangerous travel conditions due to overnight frost that may not thaw as people return to work and school on Monday.
Friday will see cloud and patchy rain in the south, giving way to sunny spells and scattered showers. Ulster and Connacht are expected to experience falls of sleet or snow. Friday night will be cold with frost and ice developing. These conditions will persist into Saturday, with sunshine and continued wintry showers in Ulster and Connacht. Cork is expected to experience the coldest temperatures Saturday night, with lows reaching -4 degrees.
Looking Ahead
Sunday is forecast to be cold with sharp to severe frosts, potentially slow to clear, creating dangerous driving conditions. Wintry showers are expected mainly in the north and northwest. Sunday night will be very cold and mostly dry, with further showers in the north and west, and temperatures potentially dropping to -4 degrees. Monday night will remain cold, with temperatures between -4 and 0 degrees.
A shift in weather patterns is anticipated on Tuesday, with temperatures rising as cloud builds from the west and outbreaks of rain expected in the west and southwest. Met Éireann acknowledges “some uncertainty” regarding the long-term forecast, but current indications suggest continued unsettled conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a status yellow warning?
A status yellow warning from Met Éireann indicates that all people should be aware of the potential for hazardous weather conditions. It is the least severe of the three warning levels.
Where are the snow and ice warnings in effect?
A snow and ice warning is in effect for Donegal from 8pm Friday to 11am Saturday. From 6pm Saturday to 11am Sunday, and again from 6pm Sunday to 11am Monday, warnings are in place for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, and Louth.
What temperatures are expected?
Temperatures are forecast to fall to as low as -4 degrees, particularly in Cork on Saturday night and across much of the country on Sunday and Monday nights.
Given the potential for hazardous conditions, how will you adjust your travel plans or daily routines to ensure your safety and the safety of others this weekend?
