Temperatures are to drop to -5 overnight in parts this weekend, with a widespread frost forecast by Met Eireann.

This morning, Friday, is forecast to be bright with sunny spells and just a few showers, these mainly in Atlantic coastal areas.

However, rain is set to develop in the southeast around lunchtime.

This will then spread to eastern coastal counties through the afternoon and evening, turning heavy, with some sleet on hills by early evening.

Elsewhere, the showers will become more widespread. Top temperatures today will range between 6 to 9 degrees Celsius, but values will fall quickly in the heavy rain, in the east.

Tonight looks set to bring outbreaks of rain, heavy in places with the risk of sleet or snow especially in the east on high ground.

Saturday

On Saturday morning, the rain and any sleet or snow will clear northwards, according to Met Eireann.

The rest of the day is forecast to be bright with sunny spells and just a few showers in the west. Highest temperatures of 5 to 7 degrees are forecast with light southwest breezes.

Saturday night is forecast to be very cold with a widespread sharp or severe frost and icy patches. Lowest temperatures could dip to minus 5 degrees.

Sunday

Met Eireann has said that Sunday will be a cold, bright day with sunny spells and some showers of rain or sleet, these mainly over the western half of the country.

Highest temperatures look set to range between 5 to 7 degrees with light to moderate westerly breezes. Frost is likely to develop on Sunday night.

Next week

Monday will be wet and windy with heavy rain and with Met Eireann forecasting strong south to southeast winds, possibly becoming very strong in the west on Monday night.

Highest temperatures on Monday will ranges in values between 9 to 11 degrees.

Tuesday and Wednesday look set to be cooler, brighter days with showers at times.