Status Yellow ice warning issued as temperatures set to plunge to -3C

A status yellow low temperature and ice warning has been issued for the entire country as freezing conditions are due to take hold.

Met Éireann says temperatures will fall to between -1C and -3C generally, bringing sharp frost and icy conditions. The warning is valid from 9pm on Friday, February 13, until 10am on Saturday, February 14.

Forecasters have warned of hazardous travel conditions on roads and underfoot, along with the potential for travel disruption during the period of the alert.

The warning comes as a sharp drop in temperatures brings a distinctly wintry feel across the country. After relatively mild conditions earlier this week, it has turned dramatically colder as northerly winds take hold, dragging temperatures down significantly.

Night-time lows are expected to fall to -3C from Thursday night into Friday morning, marking the beginning of a brief but intense cold snap.

Daytime temperatures on Friday are forecast to reach just 3C to 6C. However, brisk northerly winds will make it feel even colder due to wind chill, adding an extra bite to the air.

The colder conditions are expected to persist through to Sunday morning. During this period, widespread frost and icy stretches are likely overnight, creating potentially dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians — particularly during early morning and late-night travel.

Forecasters have also indicated that bands of rain moving across the country on Saturday evening could turn to sleet in places as they encounter the cold air.

The wintry spell is not expected to last long. By Sunday morning, temperatures will begin to recover as winds swing around to a westerly direction. However, the improvement in temperatures will come at a cost, with a wet day in store for many areas.

Looking ahead, the unsettled pattern is set to continue into next week, with further spells of rain likely — but for now, it’s hats, scarves and extra care on the roads as the cold snap bites.