Snow is expected into the new week across Northern Ireland, the Met Office has advised.
Just weeks on from an 'arctic blast' which brought snow to much of Northern Ireland in the lead up to Christmas, it looks like we could see a return to wintery showers next week.
Over the weekend, most of the colder weather will be evident across higher ground, including the Sperrins, especially as the cold weather continues to spread across the UK. Frost and icy patches will also be evident, especially overnight.
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But the weather forecaster said it's early next week many of us will notice snow on lower levels, even around the coast.
Met Office meteorologist, Marco Petagna, told Belfast Live: "Going into next week, any showers we get could have a more wintery element to them.
"Even around the north coast, we're going to get more of a northerly feed of air coming off the less cold sea, so the north coast could be a mix of rain and sleet. But inland, showers could be a mix of sleet and snow, with some heavy snow showers around.
"We're not expecting at the moment for it to cause too many problems in Northern Ireland, but by the time we get to Monday through to Wednesday or Thursday, there's going to be a cold northerly wind with a mix of sunshine and scattered showers which will be wintery on the hills and inland.
"Almost anywhere has a good chance of seeing some sleet and snow falling early next week, even over coastal areas on the north coast."
As for when we can see a return to milder conditions, Mr Petagna said it could be in the run-up to next weekend. But as the mild air clashes with the colder air, this could lead to a final few flurries of snowfall.
He said: "It looks like Thursday or Friday will be more of a transition back to less cold Atlantic air. Monday to Wednesday or Thursday is where we will see the best chance of wintery showers.
"As it turns less cold, it's one to watch out for as mild air will be coming in against cold air, leading to a chance of some sleet or snow in the west on Thursday turning into sleet or snow.
"By Friday, temperatures could very well be up into double figures again. We're looking at a couple of days of colder temperatures, with widespread frosts and icy patches by night, and the risk of some sleet and snow showers as well."
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