Weather: Bitterly cold day ahead

Bitterly cold day with widespread heavy showers early on, some of which will be wintry, bringing some possibly icy conditions.

The latest weather forecast from Met Éireann says showers (along with isolated thunderstorms) will gradually become confined to Atlantic counties, with spells of winter sunshine developing elsewhere. Highest temperatures of just 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, all in light to moderate west to northwest breezes.

Very cold tonight with a widespread sharp to severe frost and possible icy stretches. Overall dry with long clear spells. However, a few wintry showers will persist closer to the Atlantic, along with isolated thunderstorms. Lowest temperatures of 0 to minus 2 degrees Celsius, in light to moderate northwest breezes.

A widespread frost to begin on Friday with some icy stretches on untreated surfaces. Many areas will stay dry for the day with spells of winter sunshine. However, northwest winds will be brisk, with an added wind chill factor. A few coastal showers will persist too, with isolated hail and thunderstorms. Highest temperatures of just 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.

The national outlook over the coming days is for very cold conditions with frost and ice. Some wintry showers, but overall a lot of bright winter sunshine.

Friday night will bring scattered showers, some wintry, especially in the north and east. Feeling very cold owing to an added wind chill factor, in brisk northerly winds. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees Celsius. Some frost too, though mainly for sheltered areas.

Saturday will bring further scattered showers. Some good sunshine developing through the day too, especially away from eastern and western counties. Breezy to start, with moderate to fresh northwest winds, but winds will moderate during the day. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees Celsius with an added chill factor.

Saturday night will bring some lingering showers in eastern coastal areas, but most areas will be fully dry under clear skies. Very cold with lowest temperatures of -3 to +2 degrees, with a widespread sharp frost. Mist and fog locally too, in light northwesterly breezes.

Sunday should be a largely dry day with light northerly breeze and plenty of bright winter sunshine. Some showers may present though, with eastern fringes most at threat. Another cold day with highest temperatures of only of 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. Continuing cold on Sunday night with frost and ice, as temperatures drop to around freezing countrywide.

Current indications for early next week say it will remain cold with more in the way of cloud and rainfall. Further frost and possible ice at times.