Frost, ice and fog until the weekend, at least

MET Éireann has extended a cold weather advisory spanning the whole of Ireland, as slips, trips and falls caused by the icy conditions are putting hospital emergency departments under pressure.

The national forecaster has warned travellers that widespread frost and icy patches are causing hazardous road conditions.

And the Road Safety Authority has urged motorists to slow down and watch out for vulnerable road-users.

The country is under a cold weather advisory for sharp to severe frost, icy patches and dense fog until 9am on Saturday.

It is forecast to be mostly dry at first this week but some patchy rain may develop later in the weekend.

Meanwhile, the HSE has said that accidents resulting from the cold and icy weather are leading to a further increase in attendance at emergency departments around the country, adding to pressure on the hospital system.

It is asking people to consider all available care options, including their GP and local pharmacy if they have an injury from a slip, trip, or fall.

The HSE said injury units could treat broken bones, dislocated limbs or sprains.

Dr Colm Henry, HSE chief clinical officer, said: ‘During the cold snap we are inevitably seeing more people in our EDs with injuries from slips, trips, and falls.

‘We have and continue to put a huge focus on reducing wait times for our patients.’

Dr Gerry McCarthy, clinical lead in emergency medicine, said: ‘With the expected peak in influenza activity due in the coming weeks and ED attendances up 2% since 2022 and up 10% from 2019, it is an extremely busy time in our hospitals and this will result in longer waiting times for those with less serious injuries.’

Met Éireann said it would be very cold this morning with frost and ice clearing slowly.

It will be dry in most places with spells of winter sunshine for many, but cloud will increase in eastern parts, especially in Leinster, east Ulster and parts of east Munster, with the chance of a few passing showers.

There will be highs of 3C to 7C in a light to moderate wind.

Tonight will continue to be mostly dry, although a few showers are possible in the east where it will be cloudiest.