End of cold snap ‘in sight’ in Ireland
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Irish leaders have indicated they are content with the handling of recent weather as the end of the cold snap is in sight. Temperatures in parts of Ireland plunged to minus 7.5C in the early hours of Thursday, with weather warnings remaining in place until Friday.
The lowest temperature was recorded by Met Eireann in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, in central Ireland, while minus 7C was recorded in Athenry, Co Galway, and minus 6.7C in Oak Park, Co Carlow. Thousands lost access to power and water at points during severe winter weather this week.
An orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice has been issued for 13 counties from 7pm on Thursday to 8am on Friday. However Met Eireann has said milder weather will return this weekend. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met on Thursday, and in a statement said indications are that temperatures will slowly start to increase from tomorrow, with temperatures of 8-11C forecast by Sunday.
Keith Leonard, national director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said while Thursday night is to be bitterly cold, “we are reaching the end of the severe weather phase”. “We are continuing to co-ordinate a cross-government response to ensure the most appropriate supports are happening at local level, and we remain particularly focused on getting those who are still without power or water reconnected as quickly as possible,” he said.
