Met Eireann has pinpointed this week for the arrival of snow showers in some areas as temperatures hit 0 degrees.
The Christmas season is in full swing, and many will welcome the idea of some snow to get into the festive spirit, while school kids will be hoping for a day off to enjoy it.
Met Eireann has put Ireland on an advisory notice as hail, sleet, and snow are expected to hit and they said there'll be sharp frosts and icy stretches on roads.
READ MORE: Ireland snow tracker shows when it will fall in your area as Met Eireann warn 'big shock' on the way
READ MORE: 'Arctic airmass' to bring severe weather as snow, sleet and hail forecast
Whether or not schools nationwide will temporarily close their doors comes down to a number of key factors in the winter time, so here’s what you need to know:
Classroom temperatures
According to the Irish National Teachers Organisation, classrooms need to be heated to a minimum of 16C by 10am. So if there is no heating on a cold day, classes would not go ahead.
Most schools will obviously have adequate heating systems, but if for some reason it breaks or pipes get frozen over the principal then will have to either arrange a different area to learn, or cancel classes.
If this happens after school has already started students who go home for lunch should be told not to return while kids who don't have that option should be supervised and sent home when it's safe to do so.
If they can't guarantee heat the following day children should be told not to return until it's fixed.
Of course that's not the only factor taken into account. In the majority of cases where schools close due to weather - it's more about safety getting to and from the class.
According to Winderready.ie, which is the quoted guideline in the Education Department's Weather Document, these are the factors that need to be taken into account.
Conditions in the school itself
If the pipes are frozen and heating above 16C can't be provided, then the school would not be deemed in a safe condition and classes should be cancelled.
The capacity of the school to ensure the health and safety of students whilst in school
This needs to be taken into account too - particularly regarding the grounds.
If it's extremely icy around the grounds or there's a snow blanket it might not be safe for students who could slip and get injured - if this can't be dealt with then closure might have to be considered.
The ability of parents, students, staff, and school transport services to safely negotiate local roads.
This is the most common reason schools will decide to close.
Garda advice is usually taken into account when making this decision and if travel isn't advised unless absolutely necessary then school's out for the day.
READ NEXT:
Gardai fear suspected Monaghan 'bloodbath killer' may take murder secret to the grave
Family of missing Trevor Deely clinging to belief he will come home after 22 years
Glasgow Airport put on lockdown after 'suspicious' item found with dozens of Irish flights affected
Mum of Cork 'miracle twins' joy as sons 'so excited' to become teenagers against all odds
Relief for thousands as Christmas bonus to begin arriving from today - check if you're eligible
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
