Motorists are urged to take extra care on untreated roads as temperatures plunge to -6C
The schools confirmed they would not reopen following heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that led to more than 200 closing on Monday.
Farrah Belal enjoying the snow on Divis and Black Mountain on 5th January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Education officials said decisions on further closures were being taken locally, depending on road conditions, access to school buildings and the safety of pupils and staff.
It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for ice covering all counties, in place from yesterday evening until 10am this morning.
Forecasters said that falling temperatures overnight would lead to icy patches forming on untreated surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. The warning follows a spell of rain, sleet and snow across Northern Ireland which left many roads and pavements wet before temperatures dropped below freezing.
Snow on Divis and Black Mountain (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
The Met Office said that where surfaces have not been treated, or where grit has been washed away by showers, icy conditions are likely to develop quickly.
In the early hours of Monday morning, temperatures fell to -6.6C in Killylane, Co Antrim — the lowest recorded across the island of Ireland.
“Icy stretches are expected to form on untreated surfaces,” a Met Office spokesperson said, cautioning of potential slips, falls and road traffic collisions during the warning period.
Road conditions remained difficult in many areas yesterday, particularly on secondary and rural routes, as commuters returned to work after the weekend and new year break. Emergency services attended a number of weather-related incidents, including one in Co Armagh where a school bus skidded off the Bannfoot Road in the Derrytrasna area and came to rest in a roadside verge. No injuries were reported.
Police have urged motorists to take extra care, especially during the early morning hours when ice is most likely to form.
The PSNI advised drivers to reduce speed, increase stopping distances and ensure vehicles are properly prepared for winter conditions.
“Drivers should clear all ice and snow from their windscreens before setting off and allow extra time for journeys,” a police spokesperson said.
“Care should be taken on roads that may not have been gritted.”
Meanwhile, many people were spotted out enjoying the wintry weather, with children and families pictured on Belfast’s Divis and Black Mountain.
A golden retriever out in the snow on Monday (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Air travel was also affected, with a number of flights cancelled at both Belfast International and Belfast City airports on Monday.
Several early arrivals and departures to and from Britain and Europe were grounded due to the conditions, with passengers advised to check directly with airlines before travelling.
Airport operators warned that further disruption remains possible if freezing conditions persist, particularly during the early morning period when aircraft de-icing and runway conditions can cause delays.
The Department for Infrastructure confirmed that gritting teams were deployed across the region, focusing on main routes and known trouble spots.
However, officials stressed that it is not possible to treat every road, especially in rural and upland areas, and urged drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys where conditions are poor.
“Road users should be aware that even treated roads can become icy if temperatures fall low enough,” a department spokesperson said.
“Extra caution is required, especially overnight and in the early morning.”
Schools that remained closed today cited a combination of unsafe travel conditions, access issues and concerns around heating systems affected by the cold weather.
Education officials said parents and guardians should rely on direct communication from schools rather than travelling unnecessarily.
Cold Arctic air and wet weather to bring icy patches to UK
The disruption comes as parts of Northern Ireland continue to experience below-average temperatures for the time of year, with forecasters predicting further cold nights even where snowfall eases. While some areas saw conditions improve slightly during yesterday afternoon, the drop in temperature after dark raised concerns about refreezing on roads and footpaths.
Health officials also urged caution, particularly for older people and those with mobility issues, who are more vulnerable to slips and falls during icy conditions. Members of the public were encouraged to check on neighbours and relatives who may be affected by the cold weather.
Community groups reported a varied picture, with some areas experiencing significant snowfall while others were mainly affected by ice.
Higher ground and inland locations were among the worst hit, with drifting snow reported in places and difficult conditions on exposed routes.
The Met Office said the current spell of wintry weather is not unusual for January, but warned that even light snowfall can have serious impacts when combined with freezing temperatures and untreated surfaces.
Further updates are expected as conditions evolve.
As Northern Ireland faces another cold start to the day, authorities continue to urge caution, preparedness and patience as services work to manage the ongoing disruption caused by snow and ice.