Miserable weather is well on its way after Met Éireann confirmed a "colder arctic airmiss" will sweep the nation later this week.
The cold snap is expected to continue into the bank holiday weekend with temperatures below zero expected after dark, as well as rain and a chance of hail.
According to the forecaster, the mercury is set to drop considerably from Thursday evening as the cold front approaches northwest Ireland.
Met Éireann said: "The cold front and associated rainfall will then sweep southeastwards during the night introducing a much colder arctic airmass across the country.
"Any rain will clear quickly from the southeast early on Friday leaving a cold and windy day with sunny spells and widespread showers.
"The showers are likely to be heavy and bring the risk of hail and thunder, especially in coastal areas of the north and west."
GFS 12z continues the cold theme for next Friday and Bank Holiday weekend. Upper air temperatures shown on these charts. pic.twitter.com/UaoeCgoZNb
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 21, 2018
After settled weather up to Thursday it will turn more unsettled though and those hash lines means wintry showers. pic.twitter.com/q8XSjrFUVR
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 21, 2018
Meanwhile, Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather has warned that temperatures could plunge to as low as -4C next Sunday night.
He said: "Friday and the bank holiday then looks cold with day time temps struggling to get above 7C and it will feel bitterly cold in a biting northerly wind!
"Nights will get close to or below 0C, especially Sunday night which could see temps drop to -3C or even -4C."
As for the early parts of this week, Monday will be cold at first but will give way to dry conditions with sunny spells and variable cloud.
However, there is a chance of isolated showers in north Ulster. Monday evening should be mainly dry with clear spells and a small amount of mist.
The dry conditions will continue into Tuesday with sunny spells in most areas but a few patches of rain in northern and western counties.
Tuesday night will see more mist and fog forming with the odd patch of light rain or drizzle developing.
Wednesday will be mainly cloudy with occasional sunny intervals. Much of the country will be dry but there will be a few light showers about, mainly in northern counties.
