Winter is here – but Kilkenny escapes snow so far as Met Éireann shortens alert

KILKENNY residents will wake up to a bitterly cold day this morning as wintry showers heralded a Big Freeze across the country.

But despite the icy conditions Kilkenny has so far escaped snow that had been forecast for large parts of the country, particularly on higher grounds.

According to overnight reports, the worst affected areas are Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Kerry and parts of neighbouring Tipperary.

Met Éireann yesterday issued a Status Yellow ice and snow weather warning for Kilkenny and the entire country.

The alert, which began at 9pm last night, was initially scheduled until 7pm tonight. But in good news for those who are not dreaming of a white January, the national forecaster later shortened the warning to 11am this morning.

A Met Éireann spokesperson said: “Wintry showers overnight and on Tuesday morning with snow accumulations of 1 to 2 cm, especially in Connacht, Ulster and north Leinster and on hills and mountains.

“A few snow flurries possible at lower levels further south. Frost and icy patches.”

Wintry showers will continue today, with top temperatures ranging between 3C and 6C.

However any snowfall is more likely to hit northern and western parts of the country.

Met Éireann said: “Tuesday will be cold and breezy with sunny spells and wintry showers. Early in the morning, some of the showers will fall as sleet or snow, especially on high ground. During the day they will be mainly of rain or sleet and will be most frequent over the western half of the country and in Ulster. Temperatures of just 3 to 6 degrees with moderate to fresh westerly winds.”

Motorists have been urged to slow down and drive with caution as icy conditions make driving treacherous on some roads.