Ireland weather live updates as snow warnings 'set to escalate' as -12C freeze approaches

Ireland is gripped by a big freeze, with fears temperatures could plummet as low as -12C as the cold weather intensifies. Several areas across the country are already blanketed in snow - with more on the way.

Met Eireann says the bitter cold is expected to persist through the rest of the working week. It has extended a nationwide Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning until midnight on Friday, which details the risk of "very cold nights with widespread frost, ice and lying snow, and temperatures struggling to get above freezing during the day", making for dangerous travelling conditions.

Weather models on the national forecaster's website predict that the mercury could drop to a bone-chilling -12C in some areas during the early hours of Thursday morning, raising concerns that the current Status Yellow warning may need to be upgraded to Status Orange due to the severity of the conditions.

As the cold snap continues, the public is being advised to take extra precautions when travelling and to stay updated on the latest weather warnings for their areas.

Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman said: “This prolonged cold spell will bring very hazardous conditions over the next few days with no real opportunity for melt of significant lying snow. Given there has been a lot of snow over the weekend, as well as rain which has now frozen, there will be really dangerous conditions on the roads. The icy conditions will be particularly impactful for some road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, so alternative travel should be considered if possible. Really slippery on footpaths too so tricky conditions underfoot. We’d ask the public give extra time for any travel that they have to make.”

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Key EventsWeather warnings in place this morning08:26Get updates on the Big Freeze direct to your phone on our WhatsApp service08:2508:26KEY EVENTWeather warnings in place this morning

A nationwide Status Yellow low temperatures and ice warning has been extended for six days and remains in effect until midnight on Friday. The warning highlights "very cold nights with widespread frost and ice" and predicts temperatures that will struggle to rise above freezing during the day. Potential impacts include hazardous travel conditions, icy patches and widespread disruptions.

In addition, a separate Status Yellow snow and ice warning is in effect until noon today for the entire country. It warns of wintry showers leading to further snow accumulation, with risks including hazardous driving conditions, poor visibility and potential travel disruptions.

ShareComments08:26Anita McSorleyOver 30 people snowed in at pub

Dozens of people have been snowed in at a pub after an Arctic blast tipped out inches of snow and sent temperatures plummeting well below zero.

Full story: Over 30 people snowed in at pub after 'ignoring' weather warningsShareComments08:25Anita McSorleyWeather chart flags -12C

Weather charts from Met Eireann make chillng reading:

Alarming Met Eireann weather map shows bone-chilling -12C freeze hitting IrelandShareComments08:25KEY EVENTGet updates on the Big Freeze direct to your phone on our WhatsApp service

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