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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cian O'Broin

Weather chiefs warn of 'major snow event' this week with heavy snow in parts

The country is set to be plunged into freezing temperatures bringing snow and ice, as some weather chiefs warn of a major snow event on its way this week.

Irish meteorological service Met Éireann has warned that temperatures are set to drop as low as -5C on Tuesday night, and wintry falls of rain, sleet and snow sweep across the island.

On a status yellow ice warning for Ireland on Tuesday, they said: "Hazardous conditions due to freezing temperatures including icy stretches on roads and paths. Sleet or snow flurries in Munster overnight."

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

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland is set to suffer the brunt of a cold blast, brought on by an arctic maritime airmass, whipping across the UK.

The UK Met Office said: "In excess of 20cm of snow could accumulate over high ground in Scotland and more than 5cm is likely to accumulate even to lower levels in the northeast of the UK.

"While Northern Ireland will initially escape large accumulations of snow, 2cm could settle in some spots on Monday night, most likely over higher ground and over northern parts of Northern Ireland."

Met Éireann has issued a yellow snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland valid from 9pm this Monday until 10am on Tuesday.

Snow will continue to hit the Republic of Ireland throughout the week. Wednesday is forecast as a very cold and frosty start with icy stretches, but with a good deal of dry bright sunshine about too.

Outbreaks of rain or sleet may continue over the southern half of the country, with highest temperatures ranging between 3C to 6C, with lowest temperatures of -4 to + 0 during the night.

Met Éireann said: "Further wintry outbreaks continuing through Thursday, with any snow turning to a mix of sleet and rain as the day progresses. A chilly day with highest temperatures of 3 or 4 degrees, milder along southern fringes. Mostly moderate easterly breezes. Cold again overnight with lows of -2 to +2 degrees."

Friday too is set to bring "considerable uncertainty."

"Current indications suggesting outbreak of rain over the southern half of the country, possibly turning to sleet or snow over the northern half," the national forecast predicts.

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