LAST UPDATE | 1 hr ago

FIVE COUNTIES WILL be under an Orange Ice and Snow weather warning from midnight tonight until midday tomorrow as very cold days are expected for the rest of the week.

People in counties Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford should expect very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, disruptions to public transport, road and footpath conditions and animal welfare issues.

Met Éireann has warned of significant snowfall in the southern part of the country tomorrow, particularly in those counties under an Orange warning.

An existing Yellow low temperature weather warning is in place in every county today. That warning will remain in place in every other county and Met Éireann has warned those planning to travel to do so with care.

The coldest conditions are expected in the west of the country today, with temperatures dropping to -3 degrees, and scattered showers of sleet and snow are forecast for the north and north west today.

Heavy rain will begin later in the south and south west. Cold air will turn that rain into sleet and snow in the afternoon, with temperatures remaining very low.

Low temperature weather warnings are in place until Thursday afternoon but cold temperatures are expected to continue for the rest of the week and icy stretches are forecast for many areas of the country.

Overnight, the south of the country will experiences more sleet and snow – with some icy conditions on the roads. Temperatures will drop between 0 and -4 degrees. Light winds are expected for most of the day.

Widespread frost and ice will develop during the night.