#frost-and-ice

#frost-and-ice

"There will be the greater threat of ice on the roads," he said as the imminent cold snap is set to coincide with the reopening of schools and workplaces nationwide. "Because much of the country will be dry, the ice won't be that lethal in places but places where there are showers, you could see black ice in places and also where there is sleet and snow.

If rain does come across the country - it's a bit uncertain, but if that does happen - the rain, as it meets the cold air, could fall as sleet or snow for a short time before it turns back to rain, he said.

"These clear conditions will continue into tonight, with excellent flying conditions for Santa and his reindeer to deliver presents to all the children around Ireland. "We've told Santa it's going to be quite chilly tonight with lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees, but he's reassured us that all the cookies and milk will help keep him warm. "Under clear skies, it might be possible to catch a peek of Santa as he travels over us tonight, so keep an eye out!"

A Status Yellow warning for low temperatures was issued by Met Éireann for 10 counties, coming into effect at 11pm on Thursday night and remaining in place until 8am today. The warning is in place for counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, and Tipperary. There would be widespread frost and some icy stretches, Met Éireann said, with minimum air temperatures of -3C. Temperatures may be even lower in some local areas.

The forecaster has warned that an icy northerly wind means temperatures in some parts of the country could drop to -10C as the first cold snap of the season takes hold. In London, temperatures will remain at around 5C through the day until Friday, with colder conditions at night. The capital felt significantly colder throughout Monday despite sunny spells throughout the day.