A new Status Orange Weather warning has been issued for three South East counties.
The alert says that freezing fog, dense in places, will persist through the afternoon and into tonight leading to hazardous driving conditions.
The warning adds to an existing Status Orange weather alert for low temperatures and ice across the 26 counties. Met Éireann says that "a severe frost and further icy stretches will set in accompanied by patches of freezing fog. Temperatures are likely to fall below -5 degrees in many areas."
⚠️Status Orange Freezing Fog Warning issued⚠️
Valid: Midday to midnight Monday
Affected Regions: Connacht, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary & Westmeathhttps://t.co/ZsjQsKCXDy pic.twitter.com/FITVVpoPV9
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 12, 2022
A cold weather advisory has also been extended until Wednesday.
Met Éireann says the possibility of snow, sleet and ice will remain especially in coastal counties.
In a statement, 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 12 pm Wednesday the 14th of December.
Meanwhile, Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly says the cold snap could potentially end on Sunday.
Latest weather models show the cold spell coming to a wet and windy end next Sunday morning with milder air moving in. pic.twitter.com/xirL8Wsbsc
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 11, 2022
Taking to Twitter, the weather expert said: "Latest weather models show the cold spell coming to a wet and windy end next Sunday morning with milder air moving in." However, this is still subject to change given how far out the weekend is at this point."
Pressure on 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.
