Rare weather event to bring freezing conditions to an…

Rare weather event to bring freezing conditions to an end as Met Eireann issue new warning

Met Eireann has given a timeline for freezing conditions to finish, with snow and ice to give way to heavy rain.

A Status Yellow weather warning for Ice is in place for all of Ireland until noon on Saturday, with people told to be on alert for ‘freezing rain’.

Freezing rain is a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface, and freezes almost instantly.

The unusual weather event could lead to treacherous road conditions with the public urged to take extra care when out and about.

The weather warning reads: “Icy conditions in some areas Friday and overnight as showers gradually track southeastwards over the country. Some of the showers will be of freezing rain, sleet and possibly snow. Untreated roads and paths may be treacherous in places.”

Meanwhile, this morning will continue cold with scattered sleet showers that will give way to bright spells this afternoon.

Today’s forecast reads: “Cold this morning with further scattered showers, some of sleet with the chance of snow on elevated ground. Icy stretches possible too, leading to hazardous road conditions. Areas of mist and fog also, especially across the north midlands. Showers will ease later this morning, with a good deal of dry bright weather following. Highest temperatures of 1C to 4C generally, but between 5C and 7C in coastal areas of the south and west in mostly light southwesterly breezes.

“Cold tonight with some frost and ice for a time under clear skies. Later tonight, scattered outbreaks of rain will spread from the southwest, turning heavy in places and locally wintry. Lowest temperatures of -2C to 2C, in freshening southeast winds.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Met Eireann says it will be much milder with temperatures in double digits for some areas.

The forecast reads: “Generally cloudy Sunday with scattered outbreaks of blustery rain, heaviest across southern and western counties, bringing possible spot flooding here, especially later. The rain may turn wintry locally early on, further north of the country. Much milder than preceding days with highest temperatures ranging from 8C degrees over north Ulster, to 12C or 13C degrees in the south, all in fresh and gusty southerly winds.

“Very mild on Sunday night with scattered outbreaks of blustery rain, heaviest across southern and western counties, bringing possible spot flooding here. Temperatures not dropping below 10C to 13C nationwide in fresh and gusty southerly winds.”

The Christmas week forecast is a mixed bag. Met Eireann wrote on its website: “Rather wet and windy on Monday with outbreaks of rain in the south and west, heaviest all the while across southern and western counties with further spot flooding. Mild with highest temperatures of 11C to 13C in fresh to strong south to southwest winds.

“Becoming mostly dry after-dark, though showers will follow in across Atlantic counties. Lowest temperatures of 4C to 7C in moderate to fresh southwest winds, stronger along Atlantic coasts.

“Rather windy on Tuesday too with sunny spells and showers, most frequent across Atlantic counties, some heavy with hail. Highest temperatures of 7C to 9C in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds.

“Cold and blustery on Tuesday night with clear spells and showers right across the country, some heavy and of hail. Lowest temperatures of 3C to 5C, with a wind chill factor, all in brisk west to southwest winds.

“A breezy day with sunny spells and scattered showers, most of the showers will occur in the morning. Highest temperatures generally ranging 6C to 10C. Frost will set in across sheltered areas after dark with clear and calm weather setting in for a time.”