Ice warnings: Temperatures to plunge as low as -3C as Met Éireann warns of hazardous travelling conditions
Some of the showers then will become heavy with hail, sleet and snow possible on Saturday
As the country faces another weather warning for low temperatures and ice, Met Éireann has said persisting "frost and ice" can lead to hazardous travelling conditions and slippery conditions underfoot.
Temperatures are set to plunge as low as -3C this weekend as the country sees "very cold" day and night time temperatures.
However, it looks like there will be some respite from mid-next week as the Met Éireann say conditions should become milder with temperatures climbing up to 10C during the day.
The warning for the entire country came into place on Friday evening and will remain in place until noon on Sunday.
The national forecaster says it could cause slippery conditions underfoot, hazardous travelling conditions and animal welfare issues.
While Saturday started out frosty, ice and foggy, Met Éireann says there will be some sunny spells and scattered showers first expected in the west of the country before it moves eastwards.
Some of the showers then will become heavy with hail, sleet and snow possible. Temperatures will range from between 1C and 5C.
Temperatures then should drop as low as -3C on Saturday night with "widespread frost and icy stretches" with some falls of sleet expected in the southwest and the south.
Sunday then should be another cold day with frost, ice and fog.
It should stay generally dry with sunny spells and isolated wintry showers before temperatures drop again as low as -3C on Sunday night.
Looking into next week, Met Éireann says it is set to be "very cold with frost, ice and some wintry precipitation" before it turns milder midweek with some wet and breezy weather.
Monday then should see another cold day with spells of winter sunshine with temperatures climbing as high as 6C.
"Sharp to severe frosts" will then develop later that night with temperatures dropping as low as -4C.
Tuesday will see similar weather continue into the afternoon before sleet and rainfall later in the night.
Wednesday then should see much milder weather, with the rain turning heavier and more persistent through the day.
Met Éireann says localised flooding is possible with highs of 7C to 10C expected during the day.
Looking ahead, the national forecaster says current indications suggest that "the rest of the week will continue unsettled with further spells of wet and breezy or windy weather."
"Temperatures around or slightly above the average for the time of year," the forecaster added.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning for fog is currently in place for the entire country.
Dense fog is expected in many areas with some patches of freezing fog as well that could cause poor visibility and hazardous travelling conditions.
The warning will stay in place until noon on Sunday.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are. Rainfall and temperature charts are also available.
