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Snow and ice warning in place for parts of Northern Ireland

Barra Bestand
Cee Daly,BBC News NI weather presenters
News imageCara Coll The picture shows six sheep eating grass in a field amid a heavy snow showerCara Coll
Sheep do their best to ignore the snow in a field in Drumquin, County Tyrone

A further weather waning for snow and ice has been issued for Northern Ireland for Wednesday evening until Thursday afternoon.

The new warning lasts from 17:00 GMT on Wednesday until noon on Thursday.

Frequent wintry showers are expected to continue moving inland, bringing a further risk of snow and icy conditions.

Temperatures dropped close to freezing and there were several showers across Northern Ireland on Wednesday morning falling as a mix of rain, sleet and snow.

There is some lying snow on the mountain roads in the north west, mainly the Glenshane Pass and the Coleraine Mountain Road.

News imageThe picture shows a light brown dog walking along a path flanked by grassy areas while heavy snow falls
Skye the dog trudges through the snow in Moneymore, County Londonderry

As temperatures dip during Wednesday evening, there is an increased risk of snow beginning to settle in some areas, with ice forming on some untreated roads and pavements.

Many low-lying areas, particularly further south away from the north coast, are expected to see little in the way of snow, but 1-2cm could fall in a few spots.

Higher routes, including the Glenshane Pass, are likely to see between 3-5cm of snow, with larger amounts possible across higher parts of the Sperrins.

The Met Office has warned there could be some travel disruption as a result, as well as a risk of injuries from slips or falls on icy surfaces.

How cold will it get?

News imageAn aerial satellite weather map of Ireland showing temperatures at 05:00 GMT on Wednesday. Several towns and villages have been highlighted by name. Omagh and Jonesborough both have the lowest temperatures at 0.
The weather warning for snow and ice is to last until noon on Wednesday

The Arctic air will bring temperatures down, well below average, both by day and by night in the coming days.

Highs between 3-6C are forecast on Wednesday and Thursday with the wind chill making it feel closer to freezing.

News imageA wind map of the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe. It is centred on the Atlantic Ocean and shows cold artic air highlighted blue making its way down over the UK and Ireland. Warmer air is highlighted elsewhere in Orange.
Sub-zero temperatures are expected on Wednesday and Thursday

The average day time high at this time of year is closer to 10C.

Sub-zero temperatures are also forecast for Wednesday and Thursday night, leading to frost and a further risk of some icy patches.

Temperatures are expected to rise a few degrees closer to average over the coming weekend.

News imageAisling Kelly The picture shows snow on a flower bed in the square of the village of Carrickmore in County Tyrone.Aisling Kelly
Snow and ice in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, on Wednesday morning

Met Éireann issues snow warning

A warning for snow and ice has also been issued for five counties in the Republic of Ireland from 00:00 local time on Wednesday.

The Met Éireann alert warns of hail, sleet, and snow with modest accumulations in places, especially over high ground.

The warning for Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo lasts until noon on Thursday.

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