Motorists are urged to be careful today as there is a “high risk” of black ice and frost on roads across the country.
Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly said to expect a cold day ahead, with temperatures not reaching above -2C or -3C in some areas.
It comes as a Cold Weather Advisory is in place for the entire country until Friday night.
Short bursts of snow were recorded in Cork and Waterford throughout the night.
On Newstalk Breakfast today, Mr O’Reilly said “temperatures didn’t drop as low as expected” thanks to cloud cover.
“It certainly still feels very cold,” he said.
“That’s because we have a strong easterly wind, so the wind chill factor this morning will make it feel cold.
“It will stay bitterly cold throughout the day thanks to that easterly wind, with temperatures not reaching above minus 2 or 3 degrees in some places.”
Cold & frosty to start this morning🥶
Cloud will gradually break up this morning with some good sunny spells developing across the country🔆
Staying mainly dry apart from the odd light shower in the far south🌦️
Highs of just 2 to 5 C🌡️
ℹ️https://t.co/yEsIuCkWlq pic.twitter.com/dnazaaP6Hw
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 9, 2024
Inland areas are expected to be worst affected by the cold snap today.
“The forecast is showing it could get down to -5C or -6C tonight in the Midlands,” said Mr O’Reilly.
“It won’t be as cold near the east coast so if you’re near the seaside in Dublin you won’t be as cold.
“But certainly, in the Midlands, it will be very cold with widespread frost.”
Drive with care
Mr O’Reilly has urged motorists to drive with care for the next two days.
“There certainly could be some localised frost and black ice today,” he said.
“Late tonight and early tomorrow morning you will really want to take care because there is a higher risk - there will be more ice and frost about.
“The black ice is very difficult because you can get spots that are very hard to see, you can see a reflective glaze on the road sometimes but, generally, the temperature will give you the best idea.
“Sometimes it’s a good idea to check the temperature of where you’re heading, not just where you are.”
⚠️Status Yellow - Low Temperature/Ice warning for Ireland⚠️
Cold with icy conditions🥶
Valid: 9pm Monday 08/01 to 10am Tuesday 09/01
Full details⬇️https://t.co/ZsjQsKCXDy pic.twitter.com/sUFAJotplB
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 8, 2024
Mr O’Reilly said even colder days lay ahead for next week.
“It all lies then on next week now because we could see even colder air pushing down then,” he said.
“It will become a little bit less cold for the next couple of days, with temperatures up to five and six degrees during the day, but certainly there will be frost at night.
“It’s good high pressure, nice and dry, so it will be mainly dry with a small chance for a few showers on Friday - that would be rain.
“Around Monday or Tuesday then next week there is a risk of much colder air coming back.”
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Main image: An icy road in the Dublin Mountains, 28-2-17. Credit: Sir Anto / Alamy Stock Photo
