Winter’s icy grip is set to hit northern counties over the next few days with 3cm of snow and near freezing temperatures.
A blast of Arctic air is to move in overnight, according to forecasters, with biting winds expected to make conditions feel colder particularly on coastal fringes of the west and north-west.
Met Eireann said rain will turn to sleet or snow from dawn with the lowest temperatures of one to five degrees and the northern half of the country to feel the worst of the winter weather.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate late in the day with many areas hit by temperatures below freezing and hazardous driving conditions.
The national forecaster issued a yellow warning – the lowest category – for up to 3cm of snow at lower levels during Wednesday and through Thursday, with all areas at risk.
“Showers will be most frequent in the west and north and over hills and mountains with higher accumulations expected there,” Met Eireann said.
The wintry conditions are expected to last into the weekend before turning milder next week.