By Cate McCurry (PA)
A status yellow weather and ice warning has been issued across Ireland as temperatures are set to drop to minus three overnight.
The cold snap will bring minus-zero degree temperatures over the coming days, with widespread frost and ice in many areas of the country.
Met Eireann issued the weather warning, saying it could bring hazardous travelling conditions and animal welfare issues.
The weather warning will come into effect from 6pm on Thursday and remain in place until 11am on Friday.
The forecaster said this weekend will be very cold, with “very disruptive and impactful” weather likely in the days ahead, with the possibility of heavy rain, sleet and snow.
Some parts of the country have been warned to expect sleet and snow.
Met Eireann said Thursday and Friday will be crisp clear days with temperatures struggling to remain in single figures during the day.
There will be widespread frosts and icy patches at night as temperatures plumet below zero countrywide.
Met Eireann meteorologist Liz Coleman said: “It’s going to feel much colder than it has recently, with daytime temperatures in the low single figures and night-time temperatures falling below zero in most areas.
“Widespread frost is expected with some ice, although generally dry conditions will limit ice formation to mainly areas of standing water or run-off. Nevertheless, do take care while out and about.
“While it will be cold, it will be mainly dry with sunny spells as the high pressure will prevent any significant rainfall.
“There will be showers at times in the north and west over the weekend, and in the east through next week, but rainfall amounts will be low. So, a lot of dry weather in the forecast.”
Friday morning will be frosty and foggy, and temperatures will remain between 2C and 6C.
Meanwhile, widespread falls of rain, sleet and snow are expected on Saturday night.
In Northern Ireland, a yellow ice warning is currently in effect.
The UK Met Office said that icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
A yellow ice warning remains in place for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone and Derry from Thursday at 5pm until 10am on Friday.
Make sure your car’s fully prepared before setting off (Alamy/PA) (Alamy Stock Photo)
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