Weather forecast: Widespread severe frost on the way with a possibility of snow

A prolonged cold spell with widespread severe frost is on the way over the next few days. 

It was cold this morning with a sharp frost and icy stretches, clearing slowly but may linger in places, according to Met Éireann.

Scattered showers in north Ulster will continue, but showers in west Munster will mainly become confined to the southwest coast by noon. Elsewhere, it will be mainly dry with sunny spells. Highest temperatures of just 1 to 4 degrees with light northwest breezes are forecast.

Tonight will be very cold with a widespread severe frost, patches of mist and fog and icy stretches. Most areas will be dry. However, outbreaks of sleet or snow may develop in parts of Kerry and Cork and there will be some wintry showers in Ulster and north Connacht. Lowest temperatures of -5 to -1 degrees.

Tuesday will be very cold with frost and ice lingering in many areas. Sunny spells and scattered showers will occur. Showers will be most frequent in Connacht and Ulster and later in the southwest.

Falls of sleet and snow are likely, especially in the evening. Eastern and southern areas will be mainly dry. Highest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees with light northwest breezes gradually freshening.