Another freezing cold spell on the way

Just when you thought it was safe to put away the de-icer, Met Éireann has forecast a return to freezing weather over the coming days.

There's the strong possibility of temperatures of -1C on New Year's Eve, with sharp frosts predicted for Saturday night, when temperatures will drop to -4C, particularly in the northwest.

It will get colder still on Sunday night, with temperatures of -6C.

After that, there'll be more cold with freezing rain on low ground and sleet or snow falling on high ground.

It is not anticipated that the weather will be as Arctic as it was in the weeks preceding Christmas, however, when record-breaking temperatures of -19C were recorded.

By Tuesday, when most people return to work after Monday's bank holiday, a band of rain will move southeastwards through the country.

The rain will be heavy at times and will produce sleet and snow over higher ground.