Warning of 'dangerous' roads amid snow and ice weather blast for Ireland
Met Eireann has issued a snow and ice warning for the entire country as subzero temperatures set in
Ireland is set to freeze this week amid a Met Eireann weather warning on Monday and predictions of wintry showers, subzero conditions and treacherous road conditions.
Cathal Nolan of Ireland's Weather Channel has said: "With damp surfaces on many roads at present there’s a likelihood of some dangerous driving conditions tonight and tomorrow due to ice as temperatures drop to -3 or -4 in some areas.
"Some showers across Ulster and North Connacht will increasingly turn to snow overnight, with a risk of some small accumulations in some areas, especially across higher routes in the north.
"Elsewhere skies will gradually clear allowing a sharp to severe frost to develop in many locations away from the fresh northerly breeze in coastal Ulster and North Connacht, with ice also an issue.
"Monday will be dry and bright for many areas with crisp winter sunshine, but snow showers will continue across Ulster and North Connacht with further accumulations possible here.
"On Monday night a widespread and severe frost will develop with further icy conditions in places. Cloud will build to the northwest with a chance of some snow in Ulster and North Leinster on Tuesday.
"Please do take care on the roads tonight and tomorrow and allow extra time for journeys due to the ice risk," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann has issued a status yellow warning for low temperatures and ice, as well as freezing fog and icy patches which will sweep across the country.
Very cold weather has been forecast overnight and early Monday morning with the danger of icy patches. Some freezing fog patches can be expected locally also, according to the national forecaster.
The weather conditions will make travelling conditions difficult.
The plunging temperatures will also present animal welfare issues.
The cold blast is expected to last until Friday with mainly dry conditions, however, current indications suggest that it will turn more unsettled and milder next weekend.
The warnings issued this Sunday will remain in place until 11am on Monday.