The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with wintry showers expected to bring further disruption from ice and snow across Northern Ireland.
The weather warning is effective from 12:00 today, Wednesday 18th, to 12:00 tomorrow, Thursday 19th January.
According to the Met Office, showers will affect the warning area, these falling as a mix of rain and hail near coasts, and sleet and snow inland at times, mainly overnight. This will lead to some temporary snow accumulations at low levels, whilst higher ground of Northern Ireland in particular, could see a further 2-5 cm of snow. For most parts of the warning area, however, ice will be the main hazard.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said:
“Cold air is continuing to push across the UK from the north and many areas have seen some snow, wintry conditions, and overnight frosts. National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued across parts of western England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland with more warnings likely to be issued over the coming days.”
Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, said:
“Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as ice and snow and take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, listen to the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President, Justine Shotton, offered advice for pet owners saying:
“As temperatures drop and conditions turn icy this winter, it’s important to take a few extra precautions to protects our pets. Outdoor rabbit or guinea pig hutches should be protected from snow, rain and cold winds, whilst dogs and cats will need easy access to a cosy shelter indoors.
“Consider a coat for older dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm during walks and always wipe your dog’s paws and belly on returning home to remove any grit, as it can be toxic if ingested. Antifreeze is a huge hazard for cats, so keep an eye out for signs of poisoning such as vomiting, depression, lack of coordination, seizures and difficulty breathing.
“If you have any concerns about your pet in this cold weather, please speak to your local vet.”