Arctic winds bring first winter freeze

THE CLOCKS go back this bank holiday weekend and with it comes the first freeze of the winter.

Tonight and tomorrow morning will see freezing conditions in parts of the north midlands and Ulster with temperatures expected to get down as low as -2 or -3 degrees.

The mild autumn we have had to date will be interrupted by cold Arctic winds which will bring snow and sleet to parts of Scotland and northern England.

A severe weather warning is currently in place in the northern most parts of Scotland.

In Ireland there is a chance of sleet on higher ground along the east coast, but the chances of snow are “minimal”, according to Met Éireann forecaster Vincent O’Shea.

He said the cold weather will be a “short-lived affair” lasting approximately 36 hours. Saturday will be a cold bright day with good sunny spells.

Milder conditions will return on Sunday with temperatures rising to 9 to 12 degrees, but it will also bring rain to parts of the country.

Bank Holiday Monday will be cold and bright with highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with moderate northerly breezes.

Aoife Carragher, the head of AA Roadwatch, said road conditions could be more hazardous over the weekend.

“It is important to keep in mind that overnight temperatures are expected to drop as low as -3 degrees on Friday night and this will impact on conditions.”

Gardaí have also urged motorists to be extra vigilant as the weather turns colder and the nights get longer.

All motorists should now be thinking “winter ready” and making preparations to make their vehicle safe for the colder weather ahead, they said in a statement.

Ahead of this October bank holiday weekend, Dr Liam MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher, called on all road users, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care.

Dr MacDaid said: “We have all been deeply touched by the sad and tragic loss of innocent lives on our roads over the last week.

“I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the next days.

“This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of all in society.”