Temperatures plummeted as low as -5C overnight, causing widespread sharp and severe frosts as well as dangerous icy stretches on roads.
As the frost clears throughout the morning, Ireland will enjoy more sunny weather with the mercury hitting double digits in some areas.
With Met Eireann forecasting both sunny clear weather and icy roads, a warning has been issued to road users about the dangers of ‘sun glare’.
The rare event happens due to a low sun on the horizon, with the Road Safety Authority of Ireland saying it can result in “drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by its intensity and brightness.”
Pedestrians and cyclists are also advised to take extra care when out and about on Sunday.
Giving advice to drivers, the RSAI said: “Minimise risk by wearing sunglasses. Ensure your windscreen is clear of grease or grime inside and out. Add windshield washer fluid to the water in the reservoir and check that the wipers are not worn away or damaged. Replace them if they are. Reduce your speed. Slowing down on the approach to junctions, corners and bends is critical.”
Other road users should: “Beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions.”
The authority also reminded road users of the dangers caused by icy conditions.
In its latest forecast, Met Eireann said: “Very cold this morning with widespread sharp or severe frost and icy stretches on roads. The frost will gradually clear through the morning.
“Today will be dry with plenty of sunshine but becoming somewhat cloudier near the south coast this evening. Highest temperatures of 7C to 10C with light to moderate southeast breezes.
“Tonight will be cold and dry with clear spells in most areas. It will be a bit cloudier at times in the south with a few spots of coastal drizzle. Lowest temperatures of -3C to 2C with frost and some icy patches and light southeast breezes.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the National Forecaster continued:” On Monday morning, frost will gradually clear. After a bright start, cloud will spread northwards. Most areas will stay dry, but some patchy drizzle will develop in Munster.
“Light southeast wind will increase moderate to fresh and it will be quite cold with highest temperatures of 5C to 8C.
“Monday night will be mainly dry with a mix of cloud and some clear spells. Some patchy drizzle also over the southern half of the country, Moderate to fresh southeast winds and lowest temperatures of 0C to 4C with a touch of frost in places.”
Fore more advice on severe weather driving tips, check the RSA’s website or social media pages. Met Eireann has the latest weather updates on its website.
