Temperatures to drop to -4 on Monday during status yellow warning

Met Éireann has warned of "freezing temperatures", with an arctic airmass set to bring the temperature down to -4C tonight.

The warning comes into effect at 6pm and will remain in place until 10am on Tuesday.

"With the spell of mild weather in Ireland over the past couple of weeks, it presents a particular danger as road users are accustomed to the current driving conditions and will have to adjust to icy roads," the RSA statement read.

Monday night will remain mainly dry, with rain and drizzle clearing over the southern portion of the country.

"A few wintry showers will develop on north-facing coasts," the forecaster has warned.

The cold spell is expected to follow into Tuesday, with highest temperatures of 3C to 6C throughout the day.

Overnight on Tuesday temperatures will again plummet below freezing, with forecasters predicting anywhere between 0C and -5C and the possibility of wintry falls of rain, sleet or snow in parts of the south.

Wednesday promises a "cold, frosty start" with icy stretches but will remain mostly dry for the remainder of the day.

Daytime temperatures will range from 3C to 6C.

Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather speculated on the possibility of snow later in the week.

A statement posted on his Twitter account on Monday morning read: "Latest overnight weather models show a risk of heavy snow in some Northern areas Thursday/Friday."

Latest overnight weather models show a risk of heavy snow in some Northern areas Thursday/Friday. Details still a little uncertain and could change yet so keep up to date with weather forecasts through the week. pic.twitter.com/3U5eBFbYbX

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) March 6, 2023

Met Éireann has also suggested uncertainty for the remainder of the week, with "current indications suggesting outbreak of rain over the southern half of the country, possibly turning to sleet or snow over the northern half".

Road users are encouraged to check local traffic and weather conditions before undertaking any journeys.

 The RSA has the following practical advice for road users to cope with the ice conditions:

Drivers are advised to:

• Clear windows and mirrors before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
• Slow down in icy conditions, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. 
• Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheels from spinning. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space when overtaking them.

Similarly, pedestrians are advised to:

• Wear appropriate footwear. Walk on the footpath rather than the street. Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• Do not underestimate the danger of ice. Take extra caution when approaching footpaths or roadways that appear to be covered with snow or ice. Many slips and falls happen in unlikely places many regard as safe, typically outside their front door, on the doorstep, on the path or while getting out of the car.