The warning comes as six counties are under a snow and ice warning this morning.

Met Éireann issued a status yellow warning for counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim and Sligo from 7pm last night and Co Mayo was added this morning. The warning for all six counties was extended until 11 a.m.

Residents in this part of the country have been warned of dangerous road conditions and poor visibility.

Meanwhile, the entire country is bracing for plunging temperatures with freezing conditions predicted by Met Éireann.

7-day weather forecast: November 18 to November 24, 2024

The national forecaster has issued a status yellow low temperature and ice warning for the country. The warning will come into effect from 8pm this evening and will be in force until 10am Wednesday.

Met Éireann is forecasting “very cold” temperatures as frost and patches of ice are expected to be “widespread”.

Hazardous conditions on roads and trails are expected, which could disrupt travel.

Conditions will become significantly colder this week, particularly in the northern half of the country, where temperatures are expected to be between 3°C and 6°C. Elsewhere, it will be between 7°C and 12°C.

Although the weather will turn cold this week, it will be dry across most of the country.

At Cork Airport, the snow and ice team have activated their preparation plans in anticipation of the icy conditions.

They will remain on duty day and night to treat and clear any accumulation of ice or snow.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, added: “Airport operations change with the seasons and whilst in the summer our maintenance colleagues need to focus on areas such as airport management. grass and campus improvement, in winter the emphasis is on operational preparedness for snow and ice. events.”

Meanwhile, Met Éireann meteorologist Brandon Creagh said Ireland has experienced unusually mild weather this month, which has been “a few degrees above the November average”.

However, that will change this week as temperatures drop “below seasonal normal”, according to Mr Creagh.

Today, tomorrow and Thursday will be the coldest nights of the week as nighttime temperatures drop as low as -4°C in some places.

This could mark the return of “milder, wetter and windier” weather.

Rain, sleet and snow will move south this morning and dissipate south in the afternoon, followed by sunny periods and scattered wintry showers in the north.

Mr Creagh said forecast models show low pressure systems moving in from the west from next weekend. This could mark the return of “milder, wetter and windier” weather, added the meteorologist.

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to prepare for dangerous conditions on roads and footpaths.

He urged people not to become complacent following the recent mild weather. The predicted change in conditions could lead to more dangerous roads.

The RSA said drivers should expect less than ideal conditions. There is a high probability that visibility will be reduced in places as the fog descends.

Road users are also urged to exercise caution, particularly on untreated road surfaces.

Drivers are advised to remove all snow and ice from their vehicles before driving, as well as clean windows and mirrors.

The RSA also stressed that it is particularly important to look out for vulnerable road users.

Pedestrians are also advised to take extra care in wearing appropriate footwear, as icy footpaths could pose a safety risk. During icy events, emergency services typically report an increase in injuries from people losing their footing.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are advised not to travel in snowy conditions if possible as visibility is reduced.