Met Éireann's five-day forecast predicts serious cold snap with falls of sleet at times

Sunny spells and blustery showers on Saturday, most frequent in the north and Atlantic coastal areas with some wintry falls possible on high ground.

There is also the chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms, mainly near Atlantic coasts.

Becoming windy as fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds develop, strongest in the north and northwest. Highest afternoon temperatures of just 4 to 7 degrees but feeling even colder due to the wind chill factor.

Continuing cold during the rest of the weekend and early next week before milder conditions return.Saturday night: Cold and breezy at first with scattered showers, with some wintry falls possible on high ground. Driest and clearest overnight in the south and east. Fresh and gusty westerly winds will gradually ease in most areas through the night but will remain strong in the southwest. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees, with frost and icy stretches developing.Sunday: A cool, bright day with spells of sunshine and showers, with falls of sleet at times. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees in mostly moderate west to northwest winds.Sunday night: Becoming largely dry overnight with just a few showers, mainly on northern and Atlantic coasts but turning very cold as temperatures widely fall to -3 or -4 degrees. Icy stretches will develop, especially on untreated roads and paths. Patches of freezing will also develop in mostly light westerly or variable breezes.Monday: Another cool day with sunny spells and showers, falling as sleet at times. There is the chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms, especially in the west and northwest. Highest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees in light to moderate breezes, fresher in the southwest. Turning very cold again overnight as temperatures again fall to -3 or -4 degrees widely in mostly light breezes with some pockets of freezing fog developing.Tuesday: A cold day with sunshine and a good deal of dry weather though showers will continue to mainly affect northern and Atlantic coasts. Highest temperatures of 1 to 3 degrees in light to moderate north to northwest winds.Further Outlook: Continuing unsettled with further spells of rain and showers. After another cold day and night on Wednesday, rain and milder conditions will move in from the west.