Cold in Dublin City: double weather warning in effect, but cold-pressed juice and the perfect fridge are trending too

Alright folks, how are we? If there's one thing we all know living in Dublin City, it's that the weather can never quite make up its mind. But this weekend, the cold isn't a suggestion – it's the law. From last night, the double weather warning in six council areas made it clear that this cold snap isn't just passing through; it's here to stay. And believe me, after years of this, I can tell when a cold snap means business.

We're talking about a Saturday morning that, if it doesn't catch you off guard, it'll catch you with the duvet half on the floor. Areas like the Northside, Finglas, Ballymun and the hills will feel it the most. The thermometer isn't messing about: we're looking at temperatures hovering around 0 degrees or even lower in higher spots. And it's not just the dry cold, because wind gusts of up to 40 km/h add that sneaky bite that gets right into your bones. If you thought spring was well and truly here, it seems winter has one last intense goodbye in store.

There's no two ways about it. If you have to head out early, you know the drill: cold and wind is a surefire recipe for a dose of the flu. So the first thing I did when I got up was check everything was in order at home. And speaking of order, I can't ignore what's happening online. While the cold snap is hitting hard outside, inside we're all obsessed with the same thing: the fridge.

The cold outside vs. the cold inside: the fridge dilemma

So why am I talking about the fridge? Well, while the cold snap has us bundled up in coats and scarves, another battle is playing out in our kitchens. Over the past few days, searches on how to optimise your fridge have shot up. And it's no coincidence. When temperatures drop, how we store food changes. We forget that this appliance, the heart of the home, also feels the effects of the weather.

There's a trick I learned from my mother that never fails: when it's as cold as it is today, you shouldn't pack the fridge to the brim. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But the motor has to work harder to maintain the internal temperature if the outside is already freezing. Plus, with these warnings in place, the last thing you want is a frozen water pipe or your fridge plug giving out from the strain. Now's the time to check the door seals and make sure there are no air leaks. Trust me, a good, well-adjusted fridge can be your best mate for keeping veg and meat fresh all week so you don't have to venture out into the freezing cold.

The trend that’s a bit of a head-scratcher: cold-pressed juice

And here's where it gets interesting. In the middle of this cold weather alert, it's no secret that there's one trend that keeps growing and seems like an act of defiance against the weather: cold-pressed juice. While the wind is biting your face outside, inside everyone wants their dose of low-temperature vitamins.

But hold on, this isn't just any juice. Cold-pressed juice is the star of the season. People aren't just into it because it's healthy; the slow extraction method keeps all the goodness our bodies need exactly when the cold is putting us to the test. If you're thinking of making it at home, here's today's tip: make the most of your fridge being in top form to keep your fruit and veg nice and cold before pressing. A mix of ginger, orange, and a touch of turmeric is perfect for boosting your defences and tackling the cold snap head-on.

It's no coincidence these things are so linked right now. On one hand, we're preparing to weather the latest cold snap, and on the other, we're looking for ways to nourish ourselves without giving up our modern lifestyle. It's the perfect Dublin duality: a padded coat in one hand, and a glass of cold-pressed juice in the other.

So you're not caught out this weekend, here's a couple of things that are already on my list:

• Quick fridge check: Make sure the temperature is between 2 and 4 degrees. If the motor is constantly starting and stopping, it might need defrosting or the thermostat adjusting.
• Thermal layers: The double cold weather warning is no joke. Better to wear a base layer, a hoodie, and a windproof jacket. Those gusts of wind feel like a punch of ice.
• Quick flu-fighter recipe: If you don't want to go out to shop, use the fruit you have in the fridge. An apple, celery, and ginger in your morning cold-pressed juice can make all the difference.
• Protect your pipes: In higher areas, cover your outdoor taps. A frozen pipe in the middle of a cold snap is a headache nobody needs.

So there you have it, while the weather forecasters keep tweaking the numbers and the orange and yellow warnings have us staying vigilant, the best thing to do is use this cold snap as an excuse to get the house and the body in order. Because in the end, the cold passes, but what we learn to look after stays. And if along the way we become experts at managing the fridge and whipping up a good cold-pressed juice, then let the cold snap come.