Met Éireann has issued further warnings for snow and ice overnight with temperatures predicted to drop as low as minus 5 degrees in the midlands and north.
Patchy sleet or snow will hit counties Cork and Kerry on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with the forecaster warning of hazardous conditions on some roads and footpaths.
A separate ice warning was issued for Connacht and counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath from 9pm on Tuesday until 9am on Wednesday.
Very cold overnight, another very cold night tonight with temps set to dip even lower. 🥶🌡️📉
Check the website for forecasts and warnings ➡️https://t.co/6N7XkAZaF5 pic.twitter.com/7lxmiU1wY1— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 7, 2023
Gerry Murphy, a meteorologist at Met Éireann, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that cold conditions were going to continue for the rest of the week with the risk of snow and sleet for many parts of the country.
Temperatures had dropped to minus 3.4 degrees in Roscommon overnight and were going to be between 3 degrees and 6 degrees during Tuesday, and could drop to minus 5 degrees in the northern half of the country overnight.
A weather system was likely to hit Cork and Kerry with a risk of sleet and snow, which could spread to other parts of the country late on Wednesday and Thursday.
The UK Met Office has predicted heavy snow in the North on Thursday and Friday, with similar conditions expected in parts of Co Donegal.
It said the snow would have the potential to cause significant disruption.
❄️ Cold Arctic air will clash with much milder Atlantic air later this week
⚠️ This brings the potential for a significant and disruptive spell of #snow in places
Stay #WeatherAware and up to date with the latest warnings 👇https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/0aJziO0tfi— Met Office (@metoffice) March 6, 2023
Meanwhile, motorists have been cautioned to drive more slowly and be aware of icy conditions.
Brian Farrell from the Road Safety Authority urged drivers to take care on the roads, to reduce speed, to watch out for pedestrians and to ensure windscreens were clear before driving.