Temperature Drops To Minus 16C But Thaw On The Way

Matt Talbot Bridge in Dublin by Anthony McEvoy. 
Temperatures are expected to pick up across most of the country today despite temperatures having dropped to minus 15.9c in Tullow, County Carlow last night (Record low temperature in Ireland is −19.1 °C at Markree Castle, County Sligo on 16 January 1881).

National primary and urban routes around the country are said to be clearer than recent days, but black ice is being reported in various parts.  The N21 Kerry/Limerick Rd is closed west of Croagh, following a serious crash last night. Motorists are advised to divert via Rathkeale. Elsewhere, the Conor Pass remains closed while the Wicklow Gap and Sally Gap are impassable.  Very icy conditions are reported throughout the Midlands, especially in Mullingar. More from AA Roadwatch.

iWeather Online forecaster Peter O’Donnell explained that temperatures will gradually rise over the coming days leading to a significant thaw in most areas affected by heavy snow over the past two weeks.

“A thaw is coming but it will have the least effect where the snow is deepest. The deeper snow will create low-level inversions that will trap chilly air and fog and slow down any melting. The areas that have no snow today will warm rather nicely to about 8-11 C later this week. Areas that have a small amount of snow should see a total melt; areas with more snow will keep at least half of that snow before temperatures turn colder again after the weekend. At least the modified warmth should melt ice on roads and pavements fairly quickly and make getting around a lot easier in some areas”, he explained.

“The east coast will see some sunshine at times today, with offshore streamers possibly brushing parts of the coast south of Dublin (radar watching time in Wicklow and Wexford).  Much of the time this activity is however, expected to be just offshore. Highs today over the snow will be about 0-1 C and on the east coast 3-4 C”.

Mr. O’Donnell warned, however, that a return to cold weather will take place next week.

“Next week it will turn colder again, with east winds and a risk of snow in the southeast mostly.  It will then possibly be a bit milder mid-week in advance of even colder conditions due to sweep in from the north around the 16th or 17th”, he added. (Full forecast HERE).