Northern Ireland is braced for icy arctic weather to persist until Friday, the Met Office has confirmed.
It comes as the forecaster warned the change in conditions, after what has been a mild autumn, could come as a “shock to the system” for the country, with snow and ice forecast.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said that while a “fair covering of snow” is expected on higher levels from midweek, “light snow could fall almost anywhere.”
“The week ahead will bring wintry conditions, with snow expected at times across Northern Ireland.
“Monday is forecast to be cold and wet, with persistent rain throughout the afternoon. This rain is likely to turn to snow on higher ground during the evening. Although no warnings are currently in place, there is a chance of snow even at lower levels tomorrow evening, particularly across western counties like Fermanagh and Tyrone, with heavier snow expected in the Sperrin’s and other elevated areas of Northern Ireland.”
He added: “Monday evening may bring a light dusting of snow, and the rest of the week is expected to remain cold and wintry. There will be a mix of sunny spells and wintry showers. Ice will be a risk, especially overnight, accompanied by widespread frost.
“From Tuesday onwards, light snow could fall almost anywhere, with a higher likelihood on Wednesday and Thursday.
“However, snow at low levels is not expected to settle for long, so significant disruption is unlikely. But higher ground may see a fair covering of snow from midweek onwards. By the weekend, temperatures are expected to turn milder, but this will likely bring wetter and windier weather.”
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The cold weather is expected to persist through to at least Friday, with overnight lows of -4°C to -5°C and daytime highs predicted around 4°C to 5°C.
The meteorologist advised drivers to take “extra precautions” and allow extra time before setting off each morning this week.
“If you’re planning a journey this week, allow extra time, particularly in the mornings as you may need to defrost or de-ice your car,” he added.
“For those traveling on higher routes, there is a chance of encountering icy or snowy conditions. Those traveling at lower levels are not predicted to be disrupted. However, check for travel updates online before setting out to avoid any issues with road closures.
“Drive cautiously, allow extra time to reach your destination, and consider packing warm clothing in case of delays. Ensure your phone is fully charged, especially if traveling on high roads likely to have snow coverage.”
Mr. Morgan added: “This prolonged cold snap will come as a shock to the system for many, especially as the month has been relatively mild so far. It’s early in the season to be experiencing snow, so some preparation may be needed to adjust to these conditions.”
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