Temperatures are set to plummet as low as -2C this week as a winter cold snap hits Ireland.
However things could start to pick up on the weekend and into next week, with unusual "milder than average" weather on the way.
Today will see some dry and sunny spells, but the temperatures will drop well below freezing tonight.
A Met Eireann forecaster said: "Any frost and mist will soon clear this morning to leave a dry day countrywide with sunny spells. It will be somewhat cloudier at times in the northwest. After a cold start, maximum temperatures will reach 9 to 11 degrees in mostly light west to northwest breezes.
"Dry with long clear spells tonight for many, although cloudy periods will affect Ulster and north Connacht. Minimum temperatures of -2 to +3 degrees, coldest in the south and east of the country with frost forming overnight. Mist and fog patches will also form in the light southwest or variable breezes.
"Early frost and fog will give way to another dry day, tomorrow Thursday, with long spells of sunshine for many. It looks as though it will be a somewhat cloudier day in parts of west and north, however. Maximum temperatures will range 9 to 12 degrees in light southerly or variable breezes.
"Cold and dry on Thursday night with a mix of cloud and clear spells. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees generally with frost forming, but less cold where low cloud, mist and fog prevail. Light southeast or variable breezes.
"Mist and fog patches may be slow to clear in places on Friday morning, but once they do, it will be a dry day for most with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Cloud will increase over southern counties as the day goes on, however, with some patchy rain or drizzle possible. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in light to moderate east to southeast breezes. Mostly cloudy and misty with patchy drizzle in Munster and south Leinster on Friday night with lowest temperatures ranging 4 to 8 degrees. Colder with clear spells further north with lows of -2 to + 3 degrees. Winds will be light northeast or variable in direction."
However the weekend looks set to be warmer, with highs of 13C during the day on Saturday, and "milder than average" conditions are on the way next week.
A forecaster said: "Saturday will be a cloudier day overall, with outbreaks of rain in Munster and south Leinster edging slowly northwards through the day and becoming light and patchy. It will likely hold mostly dry in parts of the north and northwest with the best of any sunny spells there. Highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees in light to moderate easterly breezes. Outbreaks of rain turning heavier in southern areas overnight, with drier conditions persisting further north. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees generally, but colder under the clearer skies in northern and western areas with lows of 1 to 5 degrees. Light to moderate easterly breezes.
"Sunday will be a cloudy day with patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees in light to moderate east to southeast breezes. Further outbreaks of rain and drizzle will likely spread northwards over the country on Sunday night. Mild and frost free, with lows ranging 7 to 11 degrees north to south. Light to moderate southeast breezes will be fresh at times on southern coasts.
"Current indications for early next week suggest generally milder than average but overall unsettled conditions with showers or longer spells of rain continuing to feed up from the south, with the wettest conditions in the south and west."
