The current cold snap, which has resulted in a number of weather warnings for ice, will make way for largely unsettled conditions with spells of rain in the coming days, according to Met Éireann.

Weather warnings remain in place this morning (Monday, January 5), which together cover the whole country.

A Status Yellow warning for low temperature and ice is in effect for counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, as well as all of Munster.

That warning is in effect until 11:00a.m this morning. Temperatures in these areas have fallen to between -2° and -5°C generally, with sharp or severe frost and icy stretches, and some black ice too.

Treacherous travel conditions should be expected in these areas.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow warning for snow and ice is in effect until 11:00a.m for counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Louth and all of Connacht.

Wintry showers with some snow accumulations, and sharp or severe frost and ice, should be expected, as well as hazardous travel conditions and poor visibility.

In general, it will be very cold to begin today, with frost and icy stretches on untreated surfaces slow to clear. There will be patches of freezing fog and some lying snow in places too.

It will be a dry and sunny day for most areas, with wintry showers mainly confined to north and northwest fringes by midday. Highest temperatures will be only 1° to 6° in light to moderate north-west to west winds.

It will be cold and dry with clear spells for most at first tonight, though wintry showers will become more widespread in the north for a time early on. Widespread frost and icy stretches will form early on, along with patches of mist and fog.

Cloud will build from the west overnight, raising temperatures slightly, and outbreaks of rain or sleet will reach Atlantic coastal areas by morning. Lowest overnight temperatures of will be -3° to +2°, with light to moderate westerly winds backing south-westerly by morning.

Tuesday

It will be cold and dry to start in the eastern half of the country tomorrow (Tuesday, January 6) with frost and icy patches. Outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the west will move eastwards through the morning and early afternoon, becoming patchier as they do.

Sunny spells and scattered showers will follow. Highest temperatures tomorrow will be 3° to 8°, coldest in the east, with mostly moderate south-westerly winds veering north-westerly in the evening.

Tomorrow night, any showers along Atlantic coasts will ease early, leaving dry conditions with clear spells. Cloud will build from the west later in the night. Lowest temperatures will be -1° to +3° with light to moderate north-westerly winds.

Wednesday

On Wednesday (January 7), patchy rain and drizzle will spread across the country from the west, possibly turning to sleet over higher ground.

It will stay cold in the east and north-east with highest temperatures of 3° to 5°, but milder in the west and south with highest temperatures of 5° to 9°, all in light to moderate southerly winds.

Rain will clear eastwards early on Wednesday night with clear spells and isolated showers following. Lowest temperatures will be 0° to 4° with light to moderate westerly winds.

Rest of week

Met Éireann said there is some uncertainty in the forecast for Thursday (January 8), but rain is likely to spread over the southern half of the country with scattered showers further north. Highest temperatures should be 3° to 7° with mostly light westerly or variable winds.

Friday (January 9) is likely to be a mix of sunny spells and showers, mainly affecting Atlantic coastal counties. Highest temperatures should be 3° to 7°, with light to moderate north-westerly winds.

Current indications show unsettled conditions for next weekend with a signal for some wet and blustery weather, according to Met Éireann.