The Dublin Wicklow and Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue are warning of the risk of avalanches in the Wicklow hills over the coming weekend.

A notable increase in daytime temperatures this weekend will increase the thawing process but that will lead to problematic conditions in our hills and mountains.

A risk of avalanche conditions remains in place this week and weekend and this risk will continue well into next week. Extremely deep snow drifts remain in areas above 400m.

Gardai and the Mountain Rescue teams are urging motorists to keep away from the Sally Gap which is impassable.

Side roads in many areas of West Wicklow, Laragh and Roundwood also remain impassable.

Wicklow Weather have poured cold water on the suggestion that “Pest From The West” will occur over the coming weekend as reported in many media outlets.

“Its not happening and it was never happening. No snowstorm and no blizzard conditions this weekend.

In fact it will be quite a mild by mid afternoon on Saturday and Sunday! Values of 9c to 13c in Leinster, Connacht and Munster and possibly cooler in Ulster with values of 8c to 10c.

A risk of sleet during overnight hours in Ulster.

Mixed back of breezy conditions and rain at times with some heavy downpours over the weekend. Feeling altogether springlike at times in direct sunshine.”