Frosty conditions expected to improve from tomorrow

Tonight (Tuesday) will mark the final night of "serious frost" for a while according to Met Eireann. Met Eireann forecaster David Rogers said frost will clear early tomorrow, with rain and increasing winds expected in the afternoon. While the coming days might feel colder than previous days, Mr Rogers said this will be due to a wind chill factor and said temperatures in the coming days will in fact rise. Motorists across the region have been experiencing challenging driving conditions over the past number of days, particularly due to ice and frost. The Road Safety Authority has urged all motorists to check forecasts before setting out on journeys. The same organisation is encouraging motorists to check that all lights on their cars are in working order and to use dipped headlights at all times. Checking tyres has also been advised. Meanwhile the AA has been asking motorists to remember stopping distances are ten times longer in ice than in normal driving conditions, and has advised motorists driving in frost and ice to give plenty of extra time for their journey. Speaking to the Offaly Independent today, forecaster David Rogers said frost is expected to last from early tonight until Wednesday morning. Frost will clear in the early morning however, he explained, giving way to clouds. "As afternoon goes on rain will develop," he said, adding that while that rain might contain sleet it will be "no more than that". Winds are also expected to increase, meaning that though temperatures are expected to increase it may actually feel colder than it has done over the coming days due to wind chill. Cloud and some rain is expected on Wednesday night, while the combination of a breeze and cloud is expected to keep frost at bay overnight and into Thursday morning. Thursday is expected to be dry, with a possibility of clouds breaking during the day but unfortunately no guarantee of sunshine. Rain will come in from the west on Thursday night. Heavy rain is expected overnight on Thursday, but it's thought it will clear quickly on Friday leading to a bright and quite sunny day.