Extra caution advised on roads as freezing temperatures to continue

Motorists are being advised to take extra care this week, as the spell of freezing weather continues with temperatures falling as low as minus five or minus six in some parts of the country.

Met Éireann issued a weather advisory for "Arctic air" across Ireland until noon on Friday, with "sharp to severe frosts expected," bringing "icy stretches" to roads and pavements.

A yellow-level weather warning has also been issued for low temperatures and ice across Ireland from 6pm this evening (Monday) until 11am tomorrow.

Some Northern parts of the country are expected to see snowfall this week, but the current indications suggest there will be no snow of any significance in the Midlands.

It will be bitterly cold, however, with daytime temperatures barely getting above freezing and below-zero readings every night between now and Friday.

Offaly forecaster Cathal Nolan, of Ireland's Weather Channel on Facebook, said temperatures as low as -5 had been recorded in Kilkenny this morning (Monday).

"Temperatures (today) will struggle to reach much above freezing, with values peaking at 0 to 4 degree Celsius, but dripping away quickly after dark to -4 or -5 degrees Celsius once again, chiefly over the southern two-thirds of the country," wrote Cathal.

"Accumulations of snow are likely across parts of North Connacht and all of Ulster through tomorrow morning, also pushing into North Leinster for a time.

"But any accumulations look to be short lived, as a brief rise in temperature will see any snow being reserved for above 200-300 metres here.

"A widespread severe frost will follow on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with weather warnings for ice likely as road surfaces will be damp from any sleet, snow or rain."

Yesterday (Sunday), the lowest temperature at any of Met Eireann's weather stations across the country was in Mount Dillon, Roscommon, where it dropped to -3.3 degrees.