Warnings issued across Ireland as temperatures drop below freezing

Unless you've stayed bundled beneath your duvet for the last day or so, you'll know that it's absolutely baltic outside.

And it's not about to get any warmer any time soon.

Indeed, Met Éireann have issued a Status Orange weather warning to the entire country ahead of below freezing temperatures and snowfall.

While today will be mostly dry, rainfall later tonight will eventually bring snow, with forecasters advising: "The rain will be heavy and persistent and will bring local spot flooding to the south and southwest. As it moves northwards it will turn to snow, bringing large accumulations to Connacht, the midlands and much of Leinster."

Temperatures will drop to as low as -5 degrees tonight, with winds remaining moderate to fresh southeast to east, becoming strong westerly in Munster by morning.

Forecasters say "Sunday will see further heavy rain and snow falls. Temperatures in the afternoon will struggle to rise above freezing in the north and will linger between 1 and 4 degrees for much of the country."

As of Sunday night, forecasters advise the entire country to exercise caution, saying: "The widespread, severe frost will bring treacherous driving conditions to the whole country with all areas at risk."

"Sleet and snow will continue for a time, but will gradually die away as the night goes on."

It's a weekend for an open fire and a mug of hot chocolate, ladies.