Bitterly cold spell and snow expected

WE HAVE been frozen out of the bond markets – by the end of the week we will just be frozen. An unseasonable cold snap, which will see ground temperatures plummet as low as -10 degrees at night, is on its way, adding to our woes.

Snow and sleet are expected in the northern half of the country, particularly on Thursday – election day in Donegal South West.

The rest of the country will be dry but extremely cold at night, especially in inland areas.

A cold Arctic northeast airflow is settling over Ireland and Britain, steering exceptionally cold air our way from Scandinavia.

It is likely to bring snowstorms to Scotland and parts of northern England which will bear the brunt of it, but Ireland will not escape.

“It will be a case of it getting progressively colder as we go through the week,” said Met Éireann forecaster Vincent O’Shea.

Air temperatures tomorrow night are expected to fall as low as -6 to -8 degrees with similar temperatures on Thursday and Friday night. Daytime temperatures will be no higher than 2-6 degrees.

The weekend is unlikely to bring any respite as wintry showers could fall as sleet or snow on higher ground.

“It could get even colder at the weekend, according to our computer models,” Mr O’Shea warned.

He said it was too early to have a big freeze similar to that which was experienced last year. Ground temperatures were not low enough to allow snow to settle for any significant period of time, he added. However, he warned that northern counties could have “serious problems” with ice on the roads later in the week, but the dry weather elsewhere should make road conditions safer.

AA Roadwatch public affairs spokesman Conor Faughnan said it was preparing for a spike in breakdown callouts later this week. He advised motorists to take the opportunity now to check that their car batteries are in good condition and to check their tyres.