Ireland ice age continues with big freeze - SEE PHOTOS

Kate Hickey

Dec 20, 2010

SEE PHOTOS - Ireland's big freeze Christmas week

As temperatures in Ireland hit a record low, for December, it is believed that Ireland’s Arctic weather could lift in time for Christmas. With temperatures reaching a low of -18C (0F) and major transport difficulties its believed that a thaw will arrived on Christmas Eve.

AA Roadwatch has said that temperatures in the west of Ireland are as low as -14C (7F) while on Sunday evening Castlederg in Co Tyrone recorded temperatures as low as -18C (0F).

Met Eireann, Ireland meteorological services, have said they expected the freezing temperatures to last until Christmas Eve and predict further snowfalls in the east, west and northwest on Monday and Tuesday. Maximum temperatures will be 0C (32F). However they predicted that on Christmas Day temperatures will rise to 8C (46F) or 10C (50C).

Right across Europe there is massive disruption to transport as snow and icy weather is hampering emigrants getting home for Christmas. Right across Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands flights have been cancelled.

Currently all Ireland’s airport remain open but disruptions are likely because of the delays and disruptions throughout Europe.

London Heathrow has been particularly badly affected. Many flights were cancelled over the weekend and some people are now facing a delay of five days. Passengers are bedding down in the airport, on cots, waiting until they can fly out. According to the Telegraph one million people are due to pass through Heathrow on Christmas week.

SEE PHOTOS - Ireland's big freeze Christmas week