Ireland weather: Met Eireann issues snow warning for three counties as temperatures plunge

Time to wrap up warm as the new week has brought along with it some subzero temperatures.

After the mild start to the month, a cold snap is definitely underway and only set to get more and more icy as the week goes on.

Met Eireann have predicted that there will be lows of -3 degrees before the week is out.

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Plus, we could see snow as early as tonight according to Met Eireann 's national forecast. In their overview for the week ahead, they wrote: "Cold with frost and icy patches. Wintry showers for some."

This morning, they have issued snow and ice warnings for Donegal, Cavan and Leitrim. They have warned: "Snowfall accumulations possible this evening and overnight.

"Possible impacts:

• Poor visibility
• Difficult travelling conditions."

The Status Yellow warning comes into effect at 7pm tonight and will expire at 8am on Tuesday morning.

Time to grab your hat and scarf! This is the weather forecast for the week ahead.

Monday 18th November

Today, rain in Munster and Connacht will spread northeastwards, becoming widespread later this afternoon. It will be heavy at times will turn to sleet or snow in parts of Ulster and north Connacht this evening. Afternoon highs of 3 to 6 degrees over the northern half of the country and 7 to 12 degrees elsewhere with light to moderate easterly or variable winds. Tonight, there will be further spells of rain in all areas. Sleet and snow will affect parts of Ulster and north Connacht with accumulations possible, especially on hills. It will become dry in north Ulster by dawn with frost and ice developing. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +5 degrees, coldest in Ulster and Connacht. Moderate easterly winds over the northern half of the country and fresh westerly winds further south.

Tuesday 19th November

Falls of rain, sleet and snow early on Tuesday, will move southwards and turn mainly to rain and sleet and will clear to the south during the afternoon. Sunny spells will follow with scattered wintry showers in the north. Highest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees generally and from 5 to 8 degrees in Munster. Winds will become moderate northerly as rain clears. Tuesday night will be dry in most areas with clear spells. Wintry showers will affect northern parts of Ulster and Connacht. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +1 degrees with frost and icy patches.

Wednesday 20th November

Wednesday will be cold and mainly dry with sunny spells. Frost will gradually clear, but will linger in some sheltered areas. Some wintry showers, mainly in western and north parts of Connacht and Ulster. Highs of 3 to 5 degrees generally, with mostly moderate west to northwest winds. Wednesday night will be dry and clear in many parts but scattered wintry showers will continue in parts of the west and north. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +1 degrees with frost and icy patches and mainly light to moderate northwest or variable breezes.

Thursday 21st November

Frost and ice will again be slow to thaw, perhaps lingering all day in some parts. Many areas will be dry and cold with spells of sunshine but scattered showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow will affect western and northern parts. Afternoon highs of 2 to 5 degrees with mostly moderate northwest winds, fresh at times near coasts. Many areas will be dry overnight with clear spells. Scattered wintry showers will continue to affect mainly the west and north, with a few spreading elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees with frost and icy patches. Light to moderate westerly winds, fresh at times on eastern and northern coasts.

Friday 22nd November

Friday will continue cold and mainly dry. It will be somewhat cloudier with wintry showers in the west. Afternoon highs of 2 to 6 degrees, a with light to moderate southwest breezes. On Friday night, it will become wet and windy as persistent or heavy rain move eastwards, possibly turning to sleet or snow for a time and accompanied by fresh to strong southerly winds.