Today

Patches of frost and ice clearing to give a cold, blustery day, with bright or sunny spells and occasional showers. Some of the showers will fall as hail, with sleet or snow at times, this especially in northern and western areas, with a risk of thunder, but a few wintry flurries are likely elsewhere this morning also.

The brisk westerly winds will give some strong gusts in northern and northwestern coastal areas. Top temperatures just 3 to 7 C.

Tonight

Cold and breezy this evening, with clear spells and scattered showers, some still of sleet and snow, over parts of Ulster. Lowest temperatures zero to 3 C., with patches of frost and ice in places. But cloud will increase later and this will bring rain to Munster and Connacht.

The frost will clear some areas, especially in the south and west, but some may linger, mainly in northern areas.

Wind warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo (status yellow)

Coastal parts of the north and northwest of the country will be affected by westerly winds with mean speeds of 60 to 65 km/hr and gusts to around 100 km/hr. Valid until 3.00pm.

Snow-ice warning for Ireland (status yellow)

Icy patches expected to develop overnight/early Saturday in many parts of the country in spite of the wind. Sleet and snow showers expected to develop in the North and Northwest through the night giving several cms of snow on high ground and a covering at some lower levels. Towards morning a scattering of wintry showers will spread further South and East to other parts also. Valid until midday.