Freezing fog has been impacting commuters across Northern Ireland, as the mercury continues to dip lower throughout the week.
The Met Office issued two new yellow weather warnings yesterday afternoon for Northern Ireland.
The first was for snow and ice, taking place from 4pm until 11am today.
The other alert, which came shortly after the first, was for fog, which is set to last until 9am this morning.
The alerts cover all six counties, with weather experts warning that the continuing adverse conditions could lead to some disruption to travel.
Snow on Belfast Hills (Luke Jervis)
Icy mist became more extensive and thickened across Northern Ireland yesterday evening and overnight, with visibility falling to less than 100m in places.
Once formed, the fog may well persist longer this morning, and some icy patches have also developed on untreated surfaces, bringing an additional hazard.
The Met Office has advised travellers to give themselves the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, and amending travel plans if necessary.
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“Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal,” a spokesperson added.
“Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery.
“Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
Snow conditions on the back of Cavehill. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The PSNI has also warned drivers not to leave defrosting cars unattended.
In a statement a spokesperson for the PSNI in north Belfast said: “We have been out on patrol overnight focusing on anti-burglary patrols.
“Please don’t leave your car unattended whilst the engine is running to defrost windows.”
Police are also asking road users to ensure their windscreen is clear before driving and to take caution on icy roads.
The coldest weather is yet to come, with forecasters predicting that tonight could see the mercury drop to its lowest point of 2025 yet.
Temperatures in the Scottish Highlands are expected to drop as far as -20C, but in Northern Ireland, it is thought that tonight will see -6C at its worst.
Fog and ice in Carnmoney. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The lowest temperature recorded overnight here over this new year period was -6.9C at Katesbridge near Banbridge on Tuesday, into the early hours of Wednesday morning,
This morning and afternoon will be very similar to yesterday, with sunny spells and wintry showers in the north, and highs of 2C expected again.
Then temperatures will recover into the weekend, with milder air moving in from the west.
Four schools badly hit by snow or ice were closed yesterday; St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College in Claudy; Cumber Claudy Primary School; St Peter’s Primary School, Plumbridge; and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Greencastle.
As of the time of publication, Ballougry Primary School was the first school to announce a definite closure for today, although the majority of schools throughout Northern Ireland opened yesterday after some had ‘snow days’ off the day before.