DRIVERS can expect the frosty conditions which have prevailed all week to continue over the coming weekend but it is expected to get warmer early next week.
Temperatures today (Friday) are not predicted to rise much above zero. However, the unusual freezing mist which covered large parts of the east and north eastern coast yesterday has disappeared.
Drivers are being advised not to use their vehicles in the early morning this weekend unless absolutely necessary and to leave shopping trips until later in the day when temperatures will be higher.
Black ice, especially in sheltered areas, is the major problem and has caused a number of road accidents this week with some roads occasionally being closed whilst damaged vehicles are removed. In addition, there was the rare weather phenomenon yesterday of a thick covering of freezing mist covering the east and north eastern coasts of the Island, stretching as far inland as Sulby and Union Mills.
The official advice to drivers from the Emergency Services Joint Control Room (ESJCR) is to “drive to the road conditions” and to “drive carefully”.
The 5-day weather forecast from the Ronaldsway Met Office suggests that temperatures will remain around zero and below for the next few days, dropping as low as -4 and possibly lower in sheltered areas. However, no snow is forecast.
Friday January 21:
Weather: Sunny spells but with overnight frosts
Wind: N to NW 5 -15
Visibility: Good
Min: -4 to Zero Max: 6
Comments: Risk of frosty / icy patches
Saturday January 22:
Weather: Dry sometimes cloudy
Wind: N to NW 5 -15
Visibility: Mostly good
-Min: 1 Max: 7
Comments: Risk of frosty / icy patches
Sunday January 23:
Weather: Dry but mostly cloudy
Wind: Northerly 10 to 15
Visibility: Moderate or good
Min: -1 Max: 7
Comments: Small risk of frosty / icy patches
Monday January 24:
Weather: Cloudy. Possibly a few scattered, light showers.
Wind: Northwest 15 - 20
Visibility: Moderate or good
Min: 5 Max: 7
Tuesday 25th January:
Weather: Cloudy, but dry.
Wind: NW 15-20, easing 10-15.
Visibility: Good.
Min: 6 Max: 8
All photographs: Bill Dale www.isleofmanphotos.com
