Most of Ireland hit with warning as temperatures set to fall well below zero

Temperatures could drop to as low as -4.

The low temperature/ice alert applies to the provinces of Connacht and Munster, as well as the counties Cavan, Donegal, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly and Westmeath.

It is set to be valid from 8pm on Tuesday (10 December) until 11am on Wednesday.

The warning reads: "Very cold tonight with minimum temperatures of -3 degrees or lower.

"A sharp to severe frost forming with icy stretches."

Met Éireann's national forecast for Tuesday night, meanwhile, reads: "Dry and calm this evening and tonight with a widespread sharp frost and icy stretches.

"Areas of fog too with some freezing fog possible.

"Lowest temperatures of -4 to 2 degrees."

The Irish meteorological service's outlook for weekdays ahead also states: "Generally dry with light winds but cold, with frost, ice and possible fog."

In terms of the weekend, Met Éireann's current indications suggest that conditions will turn showery but also milder.