Week-long weather warning for snow and ice

A week-long weather advisory has been issued by Met Éireann for very cold weather this week.

The status yellow snow and ice warning comes into effect tomorrow, Tuesday at 6am. and continues until Saturday Feburary 2.

Met Éireann say scattered wintry showers will become frequent across the southwest, west and north, with some accumulations of snow.

"There will be widespread frost at night with icy stretches on untreated surfaces," stated the national meteorological service.

"There is a possibility of a more significant spell of sleet or snow on Thursday," it advised.

The warnings will be updated daily on the Met Éireann website.

Tuesday night will be very cold and mainly dry with clear spells. Wintry showers will continue in the western coastal counties, with falls of sleet and snow away from coasts. There'll be a widespread sharp or severe frost and icy patches. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +1 degrees. 

Wednesday will continue very cold with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. Some will be sleet or snow, especially in northern areas and on hills and mountains. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees with mostly light west to northwest breezes. On Wednesday night, severe frost and icy patches will develop. 

Thursday will start off mainly dry. Rain, sleet and snow will gradually spread from the southwest. It will be very cold with temperatures of just 2 to 6 degrees and moderate to fresh easterly winds. Frost and ice will develop on Thursday night along with further wintry showers. 

Friday will continue very cold with sunshine and further wintry showers. Highest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees with moderate to fresh northerly breezes.

Next weekend will continue very cold with sunny spells and wintry showers. there'll be frost and ice at night.