Temperatures across Ireland are set to plummet below zero over the next 48 hours, Met Eireann has confirmed. The State forecaster issued a rare country-wide weather warning for low temperatures and ice on Monday afternoon.

The cold snap is on its way to Ireland and Met Eireann has issued a snow-ice warning for parts of the country. The status yellow warning was issued earlier this morning for Cavan, Donegal and Leitrim. As the snow and wintry showers move closer to Ireland there's always a chance that could be upgraded.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in Northern Ireland. Forecasters say snow and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions on Monday afternoon, evening and overnight into Tuesday morning. The warning comes into effect at 3pm on Monday covering all parts of Northern Ireland.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice came into force on Monday afternoon. The Met Office has warned of the potential for difficult travel conditions as the alert started at 3pm and continues until 10am on Tuesday morning. Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

Weather expert Alan O'Reilly, who mans the ever-reliable @CarlowWeather account on X, posted: "Rain moving into most areas this morning with a wet day ahead. Temperatures ranging from -1c in North to 12c in South. The rain will the to sleet and snow in parts tonight and tomorrow morning with a cold week before the risk of a stormy weekend."

The cold snap has well and truly arrived, with snow set to fall in parts of the country throughout the week ahead - starting as early as this evening according to Met Eireann

It's set to be a cold week ahead with wintry showers, frost, icy patches, and temperatures as low as -3C expected. Met Éireann has said wintry hazards, including sleet, frost, and ice, are expected as a cold weather advisory remains in place until Saturday this week.