Yellow status warning for ice and plummeting temperatures issued for 10 counties
A yellow status warning for ice and low temperatures has been issued across 10 counties in the Republic of Ireland. The warning, issued by Met Éireann, took effect at midnight on Thursday and will remain in place until 8 a.m. on Friday.
Counties Affected by Ice Warning
The following counties are under the yellow warning:
- Carlow
- Kildare
- Kilkenny
- Laois
- Longford
- Meath
- Offaly
- Westmeath
- Wicklow
- Tipperary
Weather Conditions Forecast
The affected areas may experience widespread frost and icy conditions. Forecasts suggest minimum air temperatures could reach -3 degrees Celsius, with local dips even lower.
Drivers are warned of hazardous conditions on the roads, and there may be concerns for animal welfare due to the severe weather.
Northern Ireland Weather Advisory
In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has also issued a snow and ice warning. This applies to the following counties:
- Antrim
- Armagh
- Down
- Fermanagh
- Tyrone
- Derry
Understanding Weather Warning Levels
Met Éireann categorizes weather warnings into three types:
- Status Yellow: Alerts the public to be aware of potentially dangerous conditions.
- Status Orange: Advises to prepare appropriately as conditions may pose a threat to life and property.
- Status Red: The most severe warning, indicating extremely dangerous weather conditions and urging people to take action for safety.
Upcoming Weather Outlook
The forecast for the next few days indicates that temperatures in the Republic may drop to as low as -4 degrees Celsius. Rain is expected to move in over the weekend, leading to milder temperatures.
On Friday morning, light rain and drizzle will become more persistent in the afternoon as a band of rain approaches from the west. The night will see temperatures moderated to between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius.
On Saturday, maximum temperatures may rise to between 7 and 12 degrees, accompanied by persistent rain spreading from the southwest. Sunday is expected to be generally unsettled with clouds and sporadic showers, though some clearer spells may appear in the afternoon.
Winds along the Atlantic coasts could reach strong to near gale force, contributing to the challenging weather conditions.
