MET ÉIREANN HAS issued another cold weather warning for across the country, with temperatures set to go as low as -4C overnight.
The status yellow weather warning will kick in at 8pm tonight and will be in place until 10am tomorrow morning. It will apply across Ireland.
While conditions have improved, snow and ice has continued to linger on many roads across the country. The worst affected counties are Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal, Cavan and the eastern half of Galway, according to AA Roadwatch.
A number of schools in counties Offaly, Longford, Mayo and Galway have closed today due to dangerous weather conditions caused by heavy snowfall over the weekend.
Conditions will continue to be cold throughout the day today with sunny spells and snow scattered showers.
Isolated wintry showers in the northwest will die out tonight as widespread severe frost returns, Met Éireann says.
Temperatures will fall to between -4 and 1 degree.
The frost will clear tomorrow morning and clouds will increase with a band of rain pushing east across the country during the day.
Areas of high ground may experience sleet and snow instead of rain, especially in the north.
Highest temperatures will range from between 4 to 8 degrees, with a freshening southwest wind.
Warning to motorists
The sub-zero conditions have made the roads treacherous for drivers, who are advised to completely clear their cars of snow and ice if they decide to take off this morning, to stay on national and regional routes and to leave plenty of time to make the journey to work.
AA Roadwatch this morning advised motorists to take extra precautions on the roads.
If you’re driving in such conditions, slow down, make sure your dipped headlights are on and remember it can take up to 10 times longer to stop your vehicle so stay plenty of space from the vehicle in front.
Brian Farrell of the Road Safety Authority said motorists in areas affected by snow and ice should check local conditions before heading out.
“It will take everyone longer to get where they’re going this morning,” he cautioned, speaking to Morning Ireland.
Gardaí have warned that motorists should clear the windows and mirrors of your vehicles before setting off on your journey. They have warned not to use hot water on the windscreen of vehicles as it can crack the glass.
Motorists should ensure that all snow has been removed from the vehicle before setting off on the road as snow left on the roof can become loose and drop onto the windscreen during braking, causing severe restriction to the driver’s vision.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said: “Please be aware that visibility is reduced in snowy conditions, so drive slowly if you need to make a journey. All extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.”
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