Deirdre O Meara 
Cork is set to experience a drop in temperature below zero, according to Met Eireann. The county has been hit by three separate weather warnings, including strong winds and heavy rain. Although the weather is expected to calm down, the forecaster is predicting an unseasonal drop in temperature despite sunny spells with the occasional shower. Today will be generally nice, with some rain set for the afternoon. Tonight will see temperatures drop as low as -1C in some parts of the county, while tomorrow will see scattered showers and moderate winds.
The forecaster stated: “Any lingering rain or drizzle near southern coasts will clear away quickly to leave a largely dry morning with good sunny spells. Scattered showers will develop through the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees with light to moderate northwesterly breezes. Early tonight, any isolated showers will die away, becoming dry with long clear spells for much of the night. Cloud will build in from the southwest over parts of the province by morning. Chilly, with lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees in light westerly or variable breezes with mist and fog patches developing.”
Tomorrow will start off dry but become cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle moving in from the southwest through the morning. The highest temperatures will range from 9 to 11 degrees with moderate southerly winds developing.
The extreme weather conditions have caused chaos in the county. A pedestrian in their 70s died after a collision in West Cork, and Irish rally driver Craig Breen died following a crash in Croatia. Furthermore, a man was confronted over jet washing his dog at a Cork petrol station. Although the worst of the weather has passed, Met Eireann warns that hail could still hit Cork. Additionally, French police are hunting for a Limerick gang as the elderly are being targeted by scams.
Despite the challenges faced, Cork remains resilient. The county has a reputation for overcoming adversity, and this latest series of weather warnings is no exception. Residents are encouraged to stay safe and take precautions during these extreme weather conditions.
