A status yellow weather warning has been issued by Met Eireann, with gusts of over 100km/h expected in parts of the country today.

Counties Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo are set to be affected by high winds up until lunchtime today.

West to northwest winds are set to reach average speeds of 50-65km/h, with gusts of 90-110km/h also likely.

The weather warning was issued last night and came into effect early this morning. The warning is valid up until 1pm today.

Today is forecast to remain cold and windy, with scattered heavy showers. Some snow is also likely, especially on higher ground.

Some sunny spells are set to develop throughout the day, with highest temperatures of 6 to 8 degrees in fresh to strong northwesterly winds.

The strong winds are expected to ease later this evening and the first half of the night will be clear and frosty, according to Met Eireann.

Most of the frost is forecast to clear later in the night, as cloud increases and rain spreads across Munster. Temperatures are expected to drop to just below freezing at times tonight.

Over the coming days, Met Eireann believes, both drying and spraying conditions will be poor due to the blustery conditions.

Outlook

Tomorrow, Wednesday, rain is forecast to gradually spread northeastwards, falling as sleet on high ground. It is set to reach northern areas towards evening.

Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees with moderate southerly breezes are expected, while rain and sleet are likely overnight.

Thursday will be mostly cloudy with rain or showers in most areas at times. There is a danger this rain may become persistent on the south coast in the evening, according to Met Eireann.

Temperatures are set to range from 6 to 10 degrees with moderate to southwest breezes.

Meanwhile, frost is forecast to develop on Thursday night, mainly over the northern half of the country. Further spells of rain and showers are likely on Friday, with the heaviest rain expected in Munster and Leinster.