Temperatures are set to rise to double figures today with mild wet and windy conditions taking over from yesterday's snows and freezing sleet, according to Met Éireann.
While the frost and fog in many areas overnight will linger this morning, particularly in north Leinster, the midlands and north-western counties, milder weather is due to push in from early this morning. Afternoon temperatures will be between seven and 10 degrees, however, Met Éireann forecaster Mr Vincent O'Shea said values could rise as high as nine to 12 degrees by evening.
"It will be a huge contrast to what we've experienced over the last couple of days. Temperatures will be significantly higher, but it will be very wet and blustery during the day."
Wintery showers overnight on Monday left snow deposits of 3-4 cm in the north midlands, North Tipperary and Meath, with heavier falls still in Louth, east Monaghan and the eastern counties of Ulster.
The worst of the snow yesterday settled in the high ground areas of Donegal, Leitrim and Mayo. Coastal areas, Roscommon and the south-western counties escaped the worst of the weather.
Yesterday saw the first widespread snows of the winter , but it was not the first snowfall this year, said Met Éireann. Thunderstorms in Dublin in October brought snow in the Wicklow hills. However, Mr O'Shea said, yesterday was the first time this year snow stuck in lowland areas.
New Year's Day is forecast to be colder than today, but there should be fewer rain showers. It will remain blustery and some areas could see showers but much of the country will have dry weather with a few sunny breaks.
Friday will be dry, but there is a risk of frost in most places over night. The weather is due to be mixed for the rest of the weekend and, while there may be some snow, there is "no big freeze in the offing", Mr O'Shea said.
