Weekend weather: Forecasters issue snow-ice weather warning nationwide

Temperatures are expected to drop below zero degrees this weekend, bringing wintry conditions and some sleet and snow.

The status yellow snow-ice warning will come into effect at 11pm this evening, Saturday, and will expire at 6am on Monday morning.

“Scattered thundery showers of hail, sleet and snow expected during the period. Poor visibility, with slippery and icy conditions, will occur at times.”

Saturday

“Outbreaks of rain will extend nationwide early tonight, turning wintry in places with some falls of sleet and snow. Scattered wintry showers will follow from the west as the rain clears with isolated thunderstorms possible. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees. Light variable winds, will become fresh to strong westerly, with gales developing on Atlantic coasts towards dawn,” they said on their website.

Outbreaks of rain will extend nationwide early tonight, turning wintry in places with some falls of sleet and snow. Scattered wintry showers will follow from the west as the rain clears. Lows of -1 to +3 degrees and becoming windy later in the night. pic.twitter.com/sPP19BJ1D7

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 9, 2019

Sunday

Sunday will be a cold and windy day with widespread blustery showers with many of the showers will be heavy and wintry in nature with a mix of rain, hail, sleet and snow. There will also be scattered thunderstorms will also occur so don’t forget to bring umbrellas if you’re venturing out!

“Fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds will reach gale force along Atlantic coasts,” they continued. “Afternoon highs will be around 3 to 5 degrees generally, but 6 or 7 degrees in coastal areas of the south and southwest.”

Temperatures are expected to rise again early next week as cloud cover increases.

The unsettled weather is set to continue next week with showers or showery rain, though temperatures are set to rise early in the week.

Last night, snow-ice warning was in effect overnight in counties; Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Louth, Meath, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo.

Snowfall accumulations of 1 to 5cm were expected nationwide, the national forecaster said.

For more, see Met.ie