Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange low temperature and ice warning for 13 counties tonight, highlighting the hazardous conditions expected to grip much of the country. The warning applies to Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway, Roscommon, and Tipperary. It will remain in effect from 7 PM to 8 AM, with the forecast calling for extreme cold, widespread frost, ice, and localized patches of lying snow.

Residents are advised to exercise caution as freezing fog could significantly reduce visibility, leading to dangerous travel conditions both on roads and underfoot. The alert also raises concerns about animal welfare and potential travel disruptions. Meanwhile, the rest of Ireland, including Dublin, is under a Status Yellow low-temperature warning until 12 PM on Friday.

Relief on the Horizon

While the current cold snap persists, better weather is just around the corner. Meteorologists are forecasting five consecutive rain-free days next week, coupled with temperatures reaching double digits. A high-pressure system moving over Ireland is expected to bring largely settled conditions.

Met Éireann noted, “Temperatures are likely to be slightly above average for this time of year, with precipitation levels below normal. However, frost and fog may develop overnight, with areas of low cloud slow to clear during the day.”

According to WX Charts, next week’s weather will see minimal rainfall, with only brief drizzles between Wednesday and Sunday.

Current Conditions and Weekend Forecast

This morning, Dubliners experienced sub-zero temperatures ranging from -2°C to -5°C, while parts of Limerick recorded a chilling -8°C last night, marking the coldest point of the freeze so far. However, temperatures in Dublin are expected to rise to 8°C on Saturday and a milder 11°C by Sunday.

Before relief sets in, tonight could still see lows of -6°C, accompanied by early frost under cloudy skies. Met Éireann’s full weekend forecast includes:

• Friday: A cloudy day with scattered light rain in the southwest, though most areas will stay dry. Highs of 2°C to 5°C.
• Friday Night: Overcast with light rain or drizzle in places, and lows between 0°C and 4°C.
• Saturday: Cloudy conditions with occasional rain clearing to reveal isolated sunny spells in the afternoon. Highs of 4°C to 8°C.
• Saturday Night: Mostly dry and milder, with lows of 2°C to 6°C and some mist forming overnight.
• Sunday: Overcast skies with a southerly breeze. Rain may develop in western counties but the rest of the country will likely remain dry. Highs of 8°C to 11°C.

Outlook for Next Week

The high-pressure system dominating Ireland next week is set to bring predominantly dry weather, particularly in southeastern areas. However, frontal systems may affect Atlantic coastal counties, leading to occasional cloud and drizzle. Overall, conditions should remain calm with the possibility of sunnier spells in some regions.

Stay updated on the latest weather developments and exercise caution as warnings remain in place.