# Winter
This month
January 2023
# chilly
Met Éireann issues winter weather warning for next week with low temperatures forecast
Some showers of hail, sleet and snow can be expected.
Last month
December 2022
# Blizzard
At least 47 killed after 'worst storm' in almost half a century hits US northeast coast
Much of the eastern United States is expected to remain in a deep freeze until tomorrow at least.
# Winter
17 dead after days of heavy snow in Japan
Some areas have seen almost a metre of snowfall in 24 hours.
# Winter
Thousands of flights cancelled across US as forecasters warn of ‘bomb cyclone’
Some places have experienced temperatures plummeting 10 degrees Celsius within a matter of hours.
# Winter
Cold Snaps, Part Two: More dazzling photos of Ireland in the ice, frost and snow
We want to see your winter wonderland.
Voices
Opinion: In a cold snap our footpaths and cycle lanes should also be gritted by councils
Dr Emma Howard says councils should prioritise the gritting of walkways and cycle lanes as we face a climate crisis.
# live crib
'There's an attempt to sanitise what we're celebrating': Dublin's live crib launches amid controversy
After much political wrangling, Dublin’s live animal crib was relaunched this morning.
# winter is coming
Freezing weather, frost and snow: Here's what you need to know as the cold snap sets in
A Winter Weather Advisory is in place as the coldest temperatures in three years are expected this week.
# wrap up warm
Hail, sleet and snow on the way with winter weather advisory in place for the week ahead
Updates with potential warnings are to be issued by Met Éireann in the coming days.
Last year
2022
# Ukraine
Uneasy calm grips Ukraine as West prepares winter aid
The head of Nato has said Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to weaponise the coming cold season.
# Housing
Eviction ban legislation passed by Dáil and Seanad
Under the bill, all notices to quit that are issued over the period of the emergency ban will be deferred until at least the end of March 2023.
# Winter
Over 600k avail of flu vaccines as Covid cases dip
Meanwhile, the Department has purchased 15,000 monkeypox vaccines.
# Operation Thor
Gardaí arrest 14 in Offaly for separate offences
Gardaí from Tullamore, Clara and Edenderry carried out searches, patrols and checkpoints across the county.
# Housing
Winter eviction ban being kept under review, says Taoiseach
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has consulted with the AG on the issue.
# rising bills
CRU says profit controls on energy can't be implemented on a domestic level
The chairperson of the CRU said the regulator was ‘deeply concerned’ by the increase in energy costs.
# Energy
Electricity credits for householders will be universal payments and not targeted, says Taoiseach
Micheál Martin said there are ‘huge questions’ around an electricity price cap.
# nord stream
Germany's Scholz accuses Russia of blocking gas turbine delivery and may rethink nuclear energy
Germany’s last nuclear plants are due to be shut but it ‘can make sense’ to keep them going amid high gas bills.
All time
# Climate Change
Irish winters likely to become wetter and warmer without significant climate action
Met Éireann has already observed an increase in winter minimum temperatures in recent decades.
# batten down
Storm Arwen: Yellow wind warning for nine counties from tomorrow into Saturday
Storm Force 10 winds are expected along northern coastlines as Storm Arwen travels across the country.
# Capacity
ICU nurses: 'No more clapping by the public or lighting candles. At this stage, it's an insult'
Staff in intensive care units say they are at breaking point as a fourth surge of the pandemic hits.
Staff in intensive care units say they're at breaking point as a fourth Covid surge hits, Órla Ryan reports
"ICU nurses and doctors are absolutely exhausted and we haven't even hit the winter peak," one nurse said
Most ICU beds are full and the HSE is making efforts to increase surge capacity
# Dáil claims
ESB assures staff it had no hand in 'orchestrated' energy crisis, following TD's Dáil claims
Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen alleged in the Dáil that EirGrid made a €10 million initial payment to the semi-State firm on a €110 million contract.
# Hospitals
HSE's Dr Colm Henry: 'We’re heading into a difficult winter, there’s no doubt about that'
However, he said situation in the health system is “different” than last year.
# New York
Taoiseach says 'evaluation' into State's handling of pandemic will be carried out early next year
The Taoiseach says he believes there will be a ‘challenging winter’.
# Punxsutawney Phil
It’s Groundhog Day in a time of pandemic
The annual ceremony foretelling the end of winter will be held in Pennsylvania, with no crowds allowed.
# Storm Filomena
Three people dead after snowstorm causes chaos across Spain
Another 20cm was forecast to fall today in Madrid, with up to 50cm at higher altitudes.
# supply and demand
'Amber alert' issued by Eirgrid as electricity system comes under pressure to meet demand
The warning came as Eirgrid are set to close two peat-fueled power plants in the Midlands.
# Challenges
No pause for breath as Irish provinces launch straight into European action
The Champions Cup kicks off on Friday night as Toulouse visit Ulster in Belfast.
# wrap up warm
Wintry week ahead as frost, hail and temperatures as low as -3 degrees on the way
Winter is coming.
# Poll
Two thirds of people would prefer if the clocks didn't go back this weekend
The findings come from a new poll carried out this month.
# Flu Jab
All 600,000 children's nasal flu vaccine doses will be available by mid-October
All of the 600,000 children’s doses will also be available by this time.
# Operation Thor
People urged to be vigilant ahead of expected spike in burglaries
Burglaries and related crimes generally increase in the winter months.
# Winter
UK at coronavirus ‘tipping point’ with risk of 50,000 daily cases by mid-October
Boris Johnson is expected to announce new measures to curb the spread of the virus tomorrow.
# Late Late Show
Ireland 'still in control' of Covid-19, says Acting Chief Medical Officer
Dr Ronan Glynn appeared on the Late Late Show last night.
# Weather
Saidhbhín, Christoph and Phoebe: Names of 2020-2021 storms announced
The naming of storms has been shown to raise awareness of severe weather and help people stay safe.
# flu season
Covid-19 is worse in cold weather, research suggests
Experts warn that their findings paint a grim picture for the colder weather, when it is thought the disease may re-emerge.
# flu season
Colds, flus and Covid-19 combined could overwhelm Irish health system this winter, experts warn
Flu season normally puts the Irish health system under strain.
# Emergency Departments
Hospitals granted 190 extra beds in bid to tackle winter pressure
An initial tranche of 83 beds have been approved for opening.
# Winter
Heavy rain forecast this weekend as low pressure set to dominate over Ireland
Temperatures may also hit 0 degrees on Saturday night, bringing a risk of frost with it.
Voices
'Spending time in daylight is huge, especially if you work full time': How to mind your mental health this winter
Elaine Austin, CEO of Pieta House, shares some advice for anyone struggling.
