Icy conditions herald week of wintery weather

The Cathedral spires pierce through the frozen fog over Derry this morning. (Pic by Cheryl-Ann Elsie)

Across the north west today people awoke to freezing conditions, slippery pavements and ice on untreated roads, with much of Derry and Inishowen under a blanket of frozen fog.

There were some tailbacks on the roads during the morning rush hour on Monday, particularly for those coming into the city from outlying areas, as a result of the freezing weather and fog impacting visibility.

The Met Office has forecast that the chilly, frosty start to the week will mark the start of a cold spell, with temperatures struggling to get far above 0 Celsius at times, and night-time temperatures dipping below 0 again later in the wake.

This evening will see northeasterly winds strengthen, with a risk of coastal gales.

Tonight will be cloudy with strong winds, and gales over high ground and around the coasts.

Met Eireann meanwhile has put in place a Status Orange Marine warning for gales tonight.

Tomorrow is expected to be a “windy day with coastal gales,” according to the Met Office, and “mostly dry with some sunny spells, but a few blustery showers are possible”.

For Wednesday to Friday, the Met Office has predicted: “A much more settled period with light winds and some good periods of sunshine. A return to chilly nights with a risk of frost.”