Freezing blast refuses to budge but experts predict the weekend could see dramatic u-turn
Thomastown, Co Kilkenny recorded temperatures as low as -8°C overnight
Various parts of the country experienced freezing temperatures this Friday morning.
For the second consecutive morning, the cold seems unrelenting, with some areas recording temperatures as low as -8°C. The Carlow weather station was reported by Carlow Weather to have noted a bone-chilling -7.7°C, adding weight to the reports of frigid conditions across the region.
Meteorologists anticipate weather predictions hint at a change in the atmospheric pattern.
According to Met Eireann, Saturday will be a much milder day with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Some dry spells will develop in the afternoon but a more persistent spell of rain will spread from the west again tomorrow evening.
A wet start to Saturday night will begin with widespread rain, clearing eastwards to scattered showers and clear spells overnight. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees with winds easing moderate southwesterly.
Sunday will be wet and windy with heavy rain spreading from the southwest and strong to near gale force and gusty southerly winds developing.
Gales developing on some coasts also. Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees.