We have been enjoying mild weather recently but it’s set to take a turn for the worse this weekend.

Met Éireann reports that temperatures will drop to between -1 and 2C on Thursday night, as Arctic winds bring freezing gales across Ireland.

A band of rain is set to push across Connacht and Ulster tonight which will turn heavy and persistent by Wednesday.

Frost is expected across the country, while hail, thunder and “wintry falls” will also arrive.

Highest temperatures are expected to be between 3 and 7C.

Cold north-west winds of up to 60kmh are also expected.