The current cold snap across the country could be replaced by milder but stormier conditions in the run-up to Christmas, according to forecasters.
Ireland is in the grips of a freezing weather system with temperatures plummeting to -7 degrees at night and Met Éireann issuing multiple warnings.
The national forecaster has issued a series of warnings for this week after a bitterly cold weekend. A Status Orange low temperature and ice warning for the entire country remains in place until 12pm on Monday.
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In issuing that warning, Met Éireann warned that "severe frost and further icy stretches will set in on Sunday night, accompanied by patches of freezing fog. Temperatures likely to fall below -5 degrees in many areas."
A further yellow warning specifically for Donegal and Mayo warns of "showers of sleet and snow Sunday night and Monday morning, falling as rain near the coast, may lead to accumulations in places." This warning is also valid until noon on Monday.
Meanwhile, the nationwide orange warning will be replaced by a Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning, again for the whole country, running from Saturday until 12pm on Friday.
Met Éireann says conditions will be "remaining very cold through the week with widespread sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches.
"Some showers of hail, sleet and snow will occur, mainly near coasts. Accumulations at lower levels are expected to remain low.
Freezing fog will occur at times, with winds remaining light over land."
They warn that possible impacts include treacherous conditions on paths and roads, travel disruption, potential supply disruption, potential for burst water pipes and damage to engines, increased risks to vulnerable members of the community, animal welfare issues and slack winds over land leading to reduced wind power generation.
The bad news won't stop next weekend despite Met Éireann predicting an upturn in temperatures from Saturday onwards.
Forecaster Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has warned that the cold spell could be replaced by hazardous stormy conditions with warnings likely.
He said: "The latest guidance from the forecast models indicate that the current cold spell looks set to end next Saturday as a milder southwesterly airflow takes charge and displaces the present colder airmass.
"Temperatures could well be 10-12 degrees warmer next weekend as opposed to the weekend just passed, however there will be coastal gales, with heavy rain and some weather warnings are likely to be issued. "
Met Éireann also foresees some unsettled weather. Their latest forecast says: "Considerable uncertainty remains for the weekend and into next week. Early indications are that conditions will turn somewhat warmer but very unsettled on Sunday with some prolonged spells of rain."
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