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There is a risk of frost/ice in some areas tonight and tomorrow night. From Sunday night there will be widespread frost and ice and with low daytime temperatures. It will turn increasingly cold over the next few days. Low pressure is currently centred near Ireland and will sink southeastwards from today, introducing a colder northerly airflow over the country. Then as the low continues to move away to the southeast, an even colder easterly airflow will be introduced.

From Sunday night, showers will start to turn wintry in nature, but will primarily affect north Leinster and north Ulster. There is potential for yellow snow/ice warnings for these areas. Some showers will penetrate further inland, but are likely to be more isolated in nature.

Midweek next week brings a more significant threat of a widespread snow event as low pressure in the mid-Atlantic (and its associated precipitation) moves up and clashes with the colder air underneath. There is potential for countrywide yellow/orange warnings for this. Met Éireann says there are indications of a milder airflow next Friday that will move in across the country bringing more wet and windy conditions.

Co-ordinated Response

Met Éireann updated the Principal Response Agencies (HSE, local authorities, An Garda Síochána) on the current outlook at a meeting this morning. Local authorities lead on the response to severe weather and are undertaking preparedness actions, including:

• Making sure extra beds are available for homeless / rough sleepers in line with the Cold Weather Strategy 20/21;
• Operating road treatment on key routes (winter maintenance);
• Activating of crisis management and an inter-agency coordination;
• Maintaining Community Call staff in place to assist vulnerable and isolated persons; and
• Communicating information and safety messages via local news media and social media.

Met Éireann, local authorities and the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management are continuing the monitor this evolving situation.