Updated 7pm
- Yellow warnings for freezing fog and ice in place for the Republic
- Separate yellow warning for snow and ice also in place for Donegal
- Antrim, Derry, Down and Tyrone placed under yellow warning for ice
- Some airlines experienced delays at Dublin Airport on Friday
- Temperatures expected to fall as low at -4 degrees on Friday night
- Temperatures throughout the weekend will remain close to zero
- Met Éireann extended winter weather advisory to Wednesday
Met Éireann has said the cold weather will continue this weekend, with temperatures "struggling to get above freezing".
The forecaster also warned of "treacherous conditions" with severe frosts, icy stretches and freezing fog.
Yellow warnings for snow, ice and freezing fog are currently in place and temperatures are expected to plummet to between -4 to -1 degrees overnight.
Earlier, Met Éireann extended its winter weather advisory and issued further warnings for hazardous conditions, adding the cold spell is likely to last well into next week.
Snow is continuing to fall in parts of the country, particularly in the east and north.
Sure everyone else is posting #snow..... pic.twitter.com/DeV2UuVEcc
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) December 8, 2022
Temperatures dropped well below zero in much of the country on Thursday night and remained close to zero throughout Friday.
The forecaster issued a warning for freezing fog - which began at 4pm on Friday and will remain in place until midday on Saturday - while an ice warning for the Republic also took effect at 7pm.
A seperate snow and ice warning was issued for Donegal from 9pm on Thursday, and will remain in place until midday on Saturday.
Very cold over the weekend with temps struggling to get above freezing📉
Dry Saturday & Sunday apart from a few wintry showers🌨️
Treacherous conditions: severe frosts, icy stretches & some freezing fog 🥶
Check out https://t.co/Iz4Qfm9qBB for info on winter weather preparation pic.twitter.com/tVS5KT5CrA— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2022
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Met Éireann said the cold weather is likely to continue well into next week, extending its winter weather advisory to Wednesday.
Earlier on Friday, Dublin Airport said some airlines were experiencing delays due to the cold snap.
"While the runways and taxiways at Dublin Airport have been open and operation all morning, some airlines are experiencing delays to their flight schedules due to difficulties de-icing their aircraft," the airport's official Twitter account tweeted.
"Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight info," it added.
While the runways & taxiways at Dublin Airport have been open & operational all morning, some airlines are experiencing delays to their flight schedules due to difficulties de-icing their aircraft. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight info. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/rr5iY9mws6
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 9, 2022
The Road Safety Authority warned that road users should be aware of the dangers caused by a drop in temperatures, and should watch out for black ice.
AA spokesperson Paddy Comyn urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. Even in parts of the country where there is no snow there could still be black ice, he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
In the North, the UK Met Office has issued a status-yellow ice warning for counties Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Derry, which is in place until 12pm on Sunday.
Snow is forecast for the region on Friday night with temperatures set to drop as low as -4 degrees.
Snow and ice will impact parts of the UK over the coming days ❄️
Warnings are in force so please stay #WeatherAware ⚠️
Find the latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/kpz56BgA5Z— Met Office (@metoffice) December 8, 2022
Energy crisis
The Government has said an energy supply warning could be made in the next two weeks.
This is due to a drop in temperature causing an increase in demand for energy, while low wind levels are expected to lead to lower energy supplies.
Concerns have been raised in particular for the welfare of older people who live alone, and for those who are sleeping rough.
During Leaders’ Questions on Thursday, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said the looming cold period, coupled with the energy crisis, posed a serious threat to elderly people and families.
“I’m receiving reports of elderly people in my constituency who are not turning on the heat in this cold snap,” the Cork North-Central TD said.
“I’m also receiving reports from working people, family people with kids, who use pay-as-you-go meters.
“They were very concerned that their €200 electricity credit will be used during this cold snap and that they will be left in a very tricky situation over Christmas.
“Cold snaps can make or break governments,” he said, expressing concern at the Dáil rising for a month over the crucial Christmas period.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “We’ll allow people to take a few days off to spend some time with their families, maybe five working days.
“But I can absolutely guarantee you that the Government will meet through the recess, at Christmas week and also first thing in the New Year.”
He added that the second energy credit of €200, which excludes VAT, would be paid “during that month” while the Dail is in recess. – Additional reporting: PA
