As Ireland continues to experience a prolonged period of bitterly cold Arctic air, residents and travelers alike are advised to stay informed about the latest weather warnings. The recent cold snap has brought significant disruptions, including power and water outages, cancellations of public transport, and the closure of schools. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the current weather situation and the necessary precautions to take.
Weather Warnings Expire, but Caution Remains
As of January 10, 2025, Ireland is no longer under any weather warnings, following a series of orange and yellow-level alerts issued by Met Éireann for low temperatures, snow, and ice. The last remaining yellow-level warning, which applied to the entire country, expired at midday. However, while the immediate danger has passed, Met Éireann warns that dangerous conditions will persist on Friday, with temperatures expected to stay just above freezing overnight[1][4].
Impact on Daily Life
The cold snap has had a substantial impact on daily life in Ireland. Tens of thousands of people were cut off from power and water, prompting the Electricity Supply Board and Irish water agency Uisce Eireann to work tirelessly to restore services. The snow and low temperatures also led to cancellations on public transport and the curtailment of healthcare services. Schools were closed, and alternative arrangements were made for students[1].
Road Conditions Remain Hazardous
Despite the expiration of weather warnings, road conditions remain hazardous. Met Éireann’s Deputy Head of Forecasting, Liz Coleman, emphasizes that the icy conditions will be particularly impactful for some road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists. Alternative travel should be considered if possible, and extra time should be given for any travel that needs to be made[4].
Forecast for the Weekend
As the cold Arctic airmass begins to move away, milder conditions are expected to develop later in the weekend. On Thursday night, a weather front will move into the southwest of the country, initially bringing sleet and snow on higher ground. This precipitation will transition to rain as the front moves north-eastwards on Friday, causing temperatures to rise by a few degrees[1][4].
Temperatures to Rise Gradually
Temperatures are expected to range from 4 to 8 degrees on Saturday, and temperatures should fall to between 2 and 6 degrees in general. It won’t be until Sunday”
