Motorists warned to be careful as cold snap approaches

Motorists warned to be careful as cold snap approaches


Anton McNulty
antonmcnulty@mayonews.ie

THE first cold spell of weather in 2013 is expected to see temperatures dip below freezing with icy conditions expected to make driving conditions hazardous.
Following weeks of unseasonable mild weather, temperatures in Mayo are expected to reach their coldest on Wednesday and Thursday with night time temperatures forecasted to reach minus four. The east and inland areas of the county are expected to be the worst affected with coastal areas expected to be slightly warmer.
Daytime temperatures on Wednesday are forecasted to reach only two to five degrees while temperatures on Thursday are expected to be closer to freezing during the day.
Forecaster Joanna Donnelly said there was a possibility of sleety showers for many parts of the country.
“It will be staying very cold, it’s a cold regime for the rest of the week. Values will be a little below average for this time of year, around two to five degrees. At night time that will be down to minus four on Tuesday and on Wednesday night it will be even colder at minus five,” she added.
While heavy snow is forecasted to fall in Britain, Ireland is expected to escape the worst of the weather. Snow showers are expected to fall in the east of the county especially on high ground but it is likely that the west of Ireland will not be badly affected by snow.
However, AA Roadwatch is appealing to motorists to take care on the road with severe frost forecasted expected to make road handling treacherous with icy stretches and some freezing fog across the country.
The main roads in the county will be gritted by Mayo County Council but because of budgetary restrictions they say they will be unable to treat many local and minor roads and asked motorist to be extremely careful.
The cold spell is not expected to last long with Met Eireann forecasting a slight rise in temperatures across Ireland next weekend, with outbreaks of rain for most places.

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