Motorists warned of slippery road surfaces

Motorists across Ireland are urged to drive with caution on Friday evening and Saturday as some road surfaces will be greasy and more slippery than usual following the long dry spell.

When the first rain falls after a period of dry weather, bitumen, oil and rubber from tyres mixes with the rainwater. This can form a slick surface on the roads, sometimes resembling an oil spill.

According to AA Roadwatch, “In wet weather, especially after a dry spell, slow down and keep further back from the vehicle in front of you. When surfaces are slippery or greasy, avoid harsh braking or harsh acceleration – like when you’re driving in icy conditions, gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving.”

“If you do find yourself in a skid, don’t slam the brakes, but gradually reduce acceleration, and turn your wheel in the direction of the skid. Driving fast through surface water is dangerous as there’s a risk of aquaplaning – where your tyres lose contact with the road surface, reducing your steering control,” added AA Roadwatch.

Met Éireann has introduced a Status Yellow rainfall warning for Munster, Galway, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford, effective until 2.00 PM on Saturday.

A clearance will follow from the west during Saturday, but spells of heavy rain will continue in the eastern half of Ireland and, in particular, in the southeast.

It will turn much colder in the west as winds switch to a north-westerly direction, with top temperatures here of 6 to 8C. The cooler weather will spread to all areas as the rain clears the east coast on Saturday evening.

The weather will turn drier everywhere from Sunday until mid-week with all areas enjoying sunshine at times.

Atlantic systems are expected to influence our weather once again beyond mid-week next week.
Temperatures will range between 10 and 13C next week.