Sub-zero Met Eireann issue 18-hour nationwide warning as temperatures to plunge to -4C lows

Met Eireann have issued a new 18-hour nationwide weather warning as forecasters predict temperatures could plunge as low as -4C tonight.

The Status Yellow low temperature warning comes into effect at 5pm this evening and lasts until 11am tomorrow.

Two previous warnings expired at 11am today.

The new Met Eireann alert states that it will be "cold tonight with minimum temperatures of zero to minus 4 degrees. Ice forming on untreated surfaces."

An ice warning is in place in the North, with Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry also in for icy stretches forming through until tomorrow morning.

The UK Met Office issued the alert which is active from 2pm on Thursday afternoon until 12pm on Friday.

And motorists are being urged to be extremely careful on the roads with AA Ireland waring that icy conditions remain in many parts of the country.

“There are reports of very icy conditions on roads around Kerry so extreme care is needed across the county if you need to travel,” they said.

“Particular care is advised on secondary and local routes.

“There are also very icy conditions on secondary and local routes around Carlow, so take care.

“Gardaí in Kildare are advising care on secondary routes following snowfall which has resulted in slippery conditions while in Wicklow, the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap are both impassable due to icy road conditions. Use alternative routes.

“Extra care is needed mainly on secondary and local routes around Sligo due to treacherous conditions. Watch out for black ice.

“In Donegal, care is still needed on routes around Milford and Ramelton due to ice while icy conditions remain on local roads around Bailieborough.”

The warning marks an extension of a nationwide weather caution issued by Met Eireann yesterday.

Friday is due to bring "bitterly" cold conditions ahead of a weekend that could see a very slight upturn in temperatures.

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Online Editors