As Ireland braces itself for a winter freeze, temperatures are set to plummet to -10C across the entire country as snow, ice and freezing fog threaten disruption. This could be the highest recorded December temperature in over a decade.
Met Éireann have already issued an orange weather alert, warning of icy conditions on roads that may pose a danger to motorists. Snow is expected on higher ground and will likely cause transport disruptions due to poor visibility and treacherous road conditions. Freezing fog is also predicted which could affect flights coming into Dublin Airport today; 11 departures and 11 arrivals have been cancelled so far.
The chilly temperatures mean some schools around Ireland are being forced to close their doors until further notice while principals take safety decisions based on local snow or icy conditions outside. Over 250,000 people are expected to opt for working from home over the next 48 hours rather than risk braving hazardous travel conditions caused by the arctic blast hitting our shores today.
A Met Éireann spokesperson said: “We urge people who must venture out onto roads during this period of cold weather should exercise extreme caution when driving due to potentially dangerous slippery surfaces” adding that “these dangerously low temperatures can also put extra strain on elderly people’s health so we ask those with elderly neighbours or relatives please keep an eye out for them during this spell of bad weather”.
At present it's uncertain how long these Arctic winds will last but one thing is certain – Irish citizens need wrap up warm if they plan on venturing outdoors!
Dublin Airport is fully operational this morning. A small number of flights have been cancelled for today, while some may be subject to delays, mainly due to weather disruption at UK airports. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest info regarding their flight. pic.twitter.com/63nEB70v4y
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 12, 2022
Tips that Dubliners can follow to save money on their energy bills this winter
- Set your thermostat to a lower temperature: Keeping your thermostat set to a lower temperature can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your heating bills.
- Use draft excluders: Draft excluders can help prevent warm air from escaping through gaps around doors and windows, which can help keep your home warm and reduce your energy consumption.
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs: Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your electricity bills.
- Turn off appliances when not in use: Unplugging appliances or turning them off when they are not in use can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your electricity bills.
- Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
- Shop around for the best energy deals: It's always a good idea to shop around and compare energy deals from different providers to find the best rates and save money on your energy bills.
- Consider switching to a renewable energy provider: Switching to a renewable energy provider can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
