Warnings possible as Met Eireann weather update confirms first major cold snap of 2024

Met Eireann has confirmed the country will experience the first major cold snap of 2024 in the coming days with subzero temperatures setting in.

Forecasters say Ireland will experience "a respite from the recent wet and windy weather as high pressure builds from the Azores over the weekend and becomes established over Ireland into next week, bringing cold, clear and generally calm conditions with little precipitation."

Met Éireann meteorologist Liz Coleman explained: “It’s going to feel much colder than it has recently, with daytime temperatures in the low single figures and nighttime temperatures falling below zero in most areas.

"Widespread frost is expected with some ice, although generally dry conditions will limit ice formation to mainly areas of standing water or run off. Nevertheless, do take care while out and about.

"While it will be cold, it will be mainly dry with sunny spells as the high pressure will prevent any significant rainfall."

Liz said: “There will be showers at times in the north and west over the weekend and in the east through next week but rainfall amounts will be low. So a lot of dry weather in the forecast.”

Liz continued: “The cold temperatures coupled with near calm conditions means fog will also be a feature of our weather, particularly over the weekend. Dense fog patches are likely on Saturday and Sunday night.

"With little wind to clear the fog, it may linger into the daytime in some areas leading to tricky travelling conditions. Our forecasters will be monitoring the situation and will issue warnings as required."

Met Eireann further said: "Current indications suggest that high pressure will be in control of our weather until next weekend when the models show a breakdown to more unsettled, but still cold weather. Although there is a lot of uncertainty that far ahead in the forecast."