Trim, Co Meath. Pic Martin Davidson. |
iWeather Online’s Peter O’Donnell: I am still calling for a winter storm setup to develop with the full moon event around 20-21 December, and the models continue to hint at a reload of very cold air from the north or northeast before that time period so it seems the chances are reasonably good for a white Christmas.
- Temperatures are expected to pick up across most of the country today despite temperatures having dropped to minus 15.9c in Tullow, County Carlow last night (Record low temperature in Ireland is −19.1 °C at Markree Castle, County Sligo on 16 January 1881).
- Gardaí in Co. Limerick are appealing for witnesses to a crash in which two men lost their lives last night. MORE
- Overnight temperatures in Scotland dropped to minus 20C, with 15C in Yorkshire and parts of Cumbria. London was just below freezing.
- Half of the schools in Northern Ireland have been forced to close as a result of adverse weather conditions and record low temperatures.
- UK forecasters are predicting there will be some respite from the icy conditions on Thursday, with temperatures throughout the country set to be above zero. However, next week is likely to bring more wintry weather, experts add.
- Bus Éireann have cancelled some services in the north and east of the country this morning. MORE
- Water situation still critical throughout West Cork. Consumers are requested to search for & eliminate leaks on all water supplies in West Cork as currently demand is exceeding capacity. If water consumption is not decreased restrictions are inevitable. MORE
- The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has decided that a temporary closure of the hunting season for wild birds started on Wednesday 8th December 2010 due to the severe recent and continuing freezing weather conditions across the State.
- Two the four AIB provincial club finals re-fixed for this Sunday have once again fallen victim to the weather – and there’s no guarantee the other two will go ahead. MORE
- Funding has been allocated to Clare County Council to allow the local authority to undertake flood alleviation measures in the vicinity of St. Flannan’s College in Ennis. Lands and properties surrounding the secondary school were badly affected by serious flooding in November 2009.