Status Yellow snow-Ice warning has been issued for Munster from 4am on Wednesday night until 12pm on Thursday.
The country is braced for plunging temperatures with icy conditions forecast by Met Éireann. Tonight will be very cold with frost and icy patches as temperatures fall to -3 degrees tonight.
The Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning is valid until 10 tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Wednesday is set for even lower temperatures and snow in southern counties.
A Status Yellow snow-Ice warning has been issued for Munster from 4am on Wednesday night until 12pm on Thursday. While a Status Yellow ice warning will be in place for the whole country from 8pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.
Hazardous conditions on roads and paths are anticipated, which could lead to some travel disruption, and snow accumulations in Munster.
Tomorrow frost and ice will linger in sheltered areas. Generally dry and sunny with a showers of sleet and snow continuing over north and northwest counties.
During the evening, a spell of heavy rain will move into west and southwest counties with sleet, snow and hail in the mix. It will be another cold day with afternoon temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees, in light to moderate mostly northwest winds.
Snow and ice warning extended to six counties as whole country braced for plunging temperatures
On Wednesday night rain will continue to push in from the Atlantic with some uncertainty in its track but mainly affecting Munster, part of Connacht and later parts of south Leinster.
Falls of sleet and snow are likely with some accumulations possible, particularly in the southwest. Elsewhere will be mostly dry with wintry showers continuing near northern coasts though some patches of fog or freezing fog may develop.
Frost and ice will develop with lowest temperatures of -4 to 1 degrees in light to moderate easterly or variable winds, freshening at times for Munster
An advisory issued by Met Éireann warned of a transition to “significantly colder conditions” from Monday through to Saturday, with frost and ice likely and sleet, snow and hail also a possibility for some.
Meanwhile, at Cork Airport, the snow and ice team has activated their preparation plans ahead of the icy conditions.
They will remain on-call throughout the day and night to treat and clear any accumulations of ice or snow.
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport added: “Airport activities change in the seasons and whereas in summer, our maintenance colleagues must focus on areas like grass management and campus improvements, over the winter, the focus turns to operational readiness for snow and ice events.”
Met Éireann meteorologist Brandon Creagh said Ireland has experienced unusually mild weather this month, which has been “a good few degrees above the average for November”.
However, that will change this week as temperatures fall “below the seasonal normal”, according to Mr Creagh.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths.
It has urged people not to become complacent following the recent mild weather. The change in conditions that have been forecast could lead to more hazardous roads.
The RSA has said drivers should expect less-than-ideal conditions. There is a strong likelihood of reduced visibility in places as fog descends.
Road users are also urged to exercise caution, particularly on road surfaces that are untreated.
Drivers are advised to remove all snow and ice from their vehicles before driving, as well as clearing windows and mirrors.
The RSA has also stated that it is particularly important to watch out for vulnerable road users.
Pedestrians have also been advised to take extra care by wearing appropriate footwear as footpaths with ice could present a safety hazard. During icy spells, emergency wards generally report an increase in injuries due to people losing their footing
Cyclists and motorcyclists are advised not to travel in snowy conditions if possible as visibility is reduced.
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