By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA & Beat News
A cold weather advisory has been extended until next Wednesday.
Met Éireann says the possibility of snow, sleet and ice will remain especially in coastal counties.
In a statement released today, the national broadcaster said; 'Remaining very cold into the middle of next week due to an Arctic airmass, bringing sharp to severe frosts, and ice or black ice on roads and footpaths.
'Some showers of hail, sleet, and snow will occur, mainly in coastal counties. Freezing fog is likely at times, especially this weekend. Winds over land will remain generally light.'
The weather advisory is in place until 12pm Wednesday the 14th of December.
Updated: Winter weather advisory for Ireland🥶🥶🌨️
For all warnings see➡️https://t.co/juduxcKKZG
Meteorologists commentary see➡️https://t.co/nBoHTU7Yxs
Be Winter ready see➡️https://t.co/GgyXeUmEfC pic.twitter.com/fVOjiejnQT— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2022
People have been urged to use caution as several low-temperature warnings were issued for Ireland over the coming days.
Motorists are being advised to be careful while driving, due to icy conditions.
Meteorologist Aoife Kealy says the cold spell is here to stay.
"Temperatures are really going to struggle to rise above freezing across the country.
"There won't be too many showers today, a lot of dry weather around today.
"Any icy stretches and lying snow out there are really going to struggle to clear."
Energy
The Government has said that 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.
This could lead to “sharp to severe frost” with possible icy surfaces and freezing fog patches, forecaster Met Eireann said.
A snow-ice warning for Dublin and Wicklow will be in place from 9pm until 6am on Friday, while a snow-ice warning will remain in place for Co Donegal until noon on Saturday.
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.
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, 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 euro 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 Dail rising for a month over the crucial Christmas period.
Tanaiste 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 euro, which excludes VAT, would be paid “during that month” while the Dail is in recess.
