Cold snap to continue as Met Éireann warns of 'Arctic airmass' over Ireland

MET Éireann is warning that temperatures could fall as low as -4 in places this Friday night as the current cold snap looks set to continue into the weekend.

The first of two status yellow low temperature/ice warnings remains in effect until midday with a second warning due to come into effect at 5pm.

In its latest forecast, Met Éireann says it will be very cold with temperatures likely to drop well-below freezing overnight.

"Mostly dry overnight with isolated showers, possibly of sleet or snow, mainly across the northwest. Very cold with lowest temperatures of 0 to - 4 degrees with a widespread sharp frost and icy patches. Mist and fog in parts too." it reads.

In a blog posted online, meteorologist Aoife Kealy explained: “An Arctic airmass is going to sink across us this week, bringing noticeably colder conditions than we’ve had lately. Daytime temperatures will struggle to get above the low single figures. Night time temperatures will be near freezing or below through the week too so that means there’ll be widespread frost and some ice. On top of that, light winds will allow fog to develop overnight, becoming dense in places. Any frost, ice and fog will be slow to clear in the mornings making travel difficult at times. So, extra care will be needed on the roads.”

While primary routes and heavily-used footpaths were treated on Thursday evening, road users are being urged to exercise caution if travelling this Friday morning.