Motorists battle through blizzards and drifting snow in the hills above the Glens of Antrim

Clodagh Sheehy

GET out the woolly hats, scarves and gloves as freezing temperatures are heading this way from the North Pole.

The unusually mild conditions have sadly come to an end with wintry showers set to move in across the country within days.

Luckily Ireland will not suffer as badly as the UK where a weather warning has been issued for strong gales and snow which could bring parts of the country to a standstill. "Up to Monday, things will remain normal, but from Tuesday, things will take a major turn," said John Eagleton of Met Eireann.

This is due because the winds will change to a northerly direction bringing freezing conditions from the Arctic.

While much of the south and east will stay dry tomorrow, rain will spread from the west.

Temperatures will stay mild but will fall through the night and Sunday will be bright, dry and sunny but cool.By Monday the mercury will drop noticeably with blustery showers across the country.

This will set the pattern for Tuesday and Wednesday when frequent showers turn wintry with hail and sleet and sharp or severe night frosts.

Snow is expected in mountainous areas as temperatures dip below freezing, sometimes as low as --3 or below.

Online Editors