Ireland Braces for Weekend of Snow, Ice, and Heavy Rain
ireland is set for a wintry weekend with two severe weather warnings issued by Met Éireann for ten counties across the country.
The national meteorological service warns of “very disruptive and impactful” weather conditions, predicting sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall in some areas, and the possibility of school closures on Monday. The alerts come into effect from Saturday afternoon and continue for a 24-hour period.
A status orange snow and ice warning has been issued for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary.A separate status orange warning for rain and snow is in place for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford.
The Irish Times irishtimes.com is providing live updates on this developing situation. Stay informed about the latest Met Éireann warnings and the evolving weather conditions.
A cold & frosty start today with fog patches in the N🥶
Cloud will thicken from the S during the morning with rain developing in S coastal areas🌧️
Rain will extend N over the S half of the country during the afternoon, turning to sleet & snow in some areas🌧️🌨️
Highs: 0 to 4°C pic.twitter.com/cBb2vv1Tes
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 4, 2025
“The cold snap is expected to last well into next week. It will lead to very tough travelling conditions,poor visibility,and delays to public transport with difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues,” Met Éireann said.
## Ireland Faces “Very Disruptive” Weekend Weather
**Archyde:** We’re joined now by [Alex Reed Name], a Meteorologist wiht [Alex Reed Affiliation], to discuss the severe weather warnings issued for Ireland this weekend.
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** Met Éireann has issued two status orange warnings for ten counties, with predictions of heavy snow, ice, and rain. Could you elaborate on the specific areas impacted and the potential severity of the weather?
**[Alex Reed name]:** Absolutely. A status orange snow and ice warning is in effect for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary. Concurrently, a separate status orange warning for rain and snow is in place for cork, Kerry, and Waterford. These warnings predict “very disruptive and impactful” weather conditions, including heavy snowfall in some areas, sub-zero temperatures, and potential travel disruptions.
**archyde:** met Éireann has also cautioned about the potential for school closures on Monday. How likely is this, and what advice would you give to parents and students?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** The cold snap is expected to continue well into next week, bringing with it tricky driving conditions due to ice and snow, as well as disruptions to public transport. Given these factors, school closures are certainly a possibility. Parents and students should stay informed about local school announcements and consider option arrangements if necessary.
**Archyde:** This wintry weather comes at a time when many people are still grappling with the cost of living crisis. How might these severe weather conditions exacerbate these existing challenges?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** This weather system could add extra strain on household budgets. Heating costs may increase further as people try to keep warm, and travel expenses could rise due to potential delays or diversions. Additionally,those reliant on public transport may face additional difficulties.
**Archyde:** Looking ahead, what can we expect in terms of weather conditions throughout the next week?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** The cold snap is likely to persist throughout the week, with sub-zero temperatures continuing. More snowfall is possible, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country. We advise everyone to stay updated with the latest weather reports from Met Éireann and take necessary precautions.
**Archyde:** Thank you for your time and insights, [Alex Reed Name].
**[Alex Reed Name]:** You’re very welcome.
**Archyde:** We want to hear from you! How are you preparing for this weekend’s severe weather? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below.
## Ireland Braces for Wintry Weekend as Severe Weather Warnings Issued
**[This is a fictional interview based on provided information.]**
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name], a meteorologist with Met Éireann, to discuss teh severe weather warnings issued for this weekend. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Ireland is bracing for a wintry weekend with status orange warnings in effect for ten counties. Can you tell us more about what we can expect?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Met Éireann has issued two separate status orange warnings. The first,for snow and ice,covers Carlow,kilkenny,Laois,Offaly,Wicklow,Clare,Limerick,and Tipperary. The second,for rain and snow,is in place for Cork,kerry,and Waterford. We are anticipating very disruptive and impactful weather conditions, with sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall in some areas, and the potential for school closures on Monday.
**Interviewer:** This sounds quite serious. Which areas are expected to be hit hardest?
**Alex Reed:** While the entire country will experience significant change in weather, the counties under the orange warnings will definitely see the most severe impacts. Places like Wicklow and the midlands can expect heavy snowfall, leading to treacherous driving conditions. Coastal areas in Cork,kerry,and waterford will likely see a combination of heavy rain and sleet,potentially leading to flooding in some areas.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to our viewers to prepare for this weather event?
**Alex Reed:** Preparation is key. If you must travel, please do so with extreme caution, and allow extra time for your journey. Check road conditions before setting out, and pack an emergency kit for your vehicle. Keep a close eye on weather updates, as conditions can change rapidly. It is indeed also significant to check on vulnerable neighbours, elderly relatives, and pets to ensure they are safe and warm.
**Interviewer:** And how long is this cold snap expected to last?
**Alex Reed:** Unfortunately, the cold snap is expected to continue well into next week.We urge everyone to take heed of these warnings and take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm throughout the weekend and beyond.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, [Alex Reed Name], for sharing your expertise with us. Stay safe everyone, and remember to stay updated on the latest weather warnings from Met Éireann.
