Met Eireann has forecast a big weather change, with freezing temperatures and ice to give way to strong winds and heavy winds.
A Status Yellow weather warning for all of Ireland is in place until 11am, with people told to be on alert for patches of ‘freezing fog’.
Freezing fog is considered rare because specific circumstances are required for the fog to form. The fog consists of ‘supercooled’ water droplets, which means the moisture remains liquid despite temperatures being below freezing.
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Met Eireann says the unusual weather event could lead to “hazardous” road conditions with the public urged to take extra care when out and about.
The double weather warning for fog and ice reads: “Icy stretches along with patches of freezing fog may lead to hazardous road conditions in some areas tonight and on Monday morning.”
The cold blast is not expected to last past noon, with the national forecaster saying conditions will make a big change and turn “changeable and often unsettled” as temperatures turn milder.
Strong winds and heavy rain has been forecast for the days ahead.
Giving its forecast for today, Met Eireann said: “Cold and frosty in many areas this morning with icy stretches and some freezing fog in places. Remaining cold in most areas throughout the day with highest temperatures of 1C to 6C generally, from north to south, in light variable breezes. Other than a few stray showers near northwest coasts this morning, it will be a mostly dry day and as the fog gradually breaks up, good sunny spells will develop. Light variable winds will freshen later ahead of a band of rain extending into the southwest during the evening.
“Cloudy and windy tonight with outbreaks of rain extending northeast across the country with some drier interludes at times. Lowest temperatures of -1C to 4C over all but Munster, coolest in Ulster where an early frost is possible, much milder though in Munster and it will become much milder everywhere as the night goes on, while fresh to strong and gusty southeasterly winds will veer southwesterly.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow, it said: “Mild, wet and windy with spells of rain, turning heavy at times as they move across the country throughout the day. Highest temperatures of 10C to 13C, in fresh to strong and gusty south to southwest winds.
“Windy with showery outbreaks of rain overnight, mixed with clear spells. Becoming drier in the west by morning as winds begin to moderate there. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 10C degrees in fresh to strong and gusty westerly wind, moderating later.”
For the rest of the week, it continued: “Sunny spells and scattered outbreaks of rain on Wednesday, remaining breezy and mild too with moderate to occasionally fresh westerly winds and highest temperatures of 9C to 13C.
“A wet day for most on Thursday as rain becomes widespread and occasionally heavy. Highest temperatures ranging from 7C to 11C with light southerly winds freshening from the southwest during the afternoon.
“Fog will be slow to clear on Friday, but as southerly winds increase moderate, cloud will increase also with rain and drizzle pushing in from the west during the afternoon becoming widespread by evening. Highest temperatures of 6C to 10C.
“The weekend will be a little cooler with frequent blustery showers feeding in from the west.”
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