Northern Ireland weather: Ice warning issued as cold snap moves in
- Published
Hardy sheep near Omagh in County Tyrone can handle the colder weather
A weather warning for ice has been issued across Northern Ireland on Sunday night.
It will mark the start of a cold snap that is due to move in and last for much of the next week.
Some road surfaces will become icy after wintry showers on Sunday night, causing some difficult driving conditions.
Rain will fall mainly to lower levels but up to 5cm (2in) of snow is expected in some high ground areas above 100m (328ft) to 200m (656ft).
Walkers in the Sperrin mountains covering counties Londonderry and Tyrone might consider wearing extra layers
However most places are expected to avoid the showers altogether.
The ice warning comes into force at 18:00 GMT on Sunday until 10:00 on Monday.
Hazardous driving conditions are also forecast across the Republic of Ireland on Sunday night, with the national weather service Met Éireann warning of patches of freezing fog.
Several days of cold ahead
Sub-zero temperatures by night are expected to last for much of the next week as a result of the cold snap in Northern Ireland.
Thermometers are forecast to fall as low at -5C in some countryside areas into the early hours of Monday.
Snow-capped Slemish mountain near Broughshane could be a perfect vantage point for enjoying the winter scenery across County Antrim
Temperatures are then expected to rise no higher than about 3C for most places during the day.
Similar temperatures are expected both by day and by night until at least Thursday.
Some fine winter sunshine is expected on the cold and crisp days along with some wintry showers, brought on by a chilly northerly wind.
As the colder air digs in some wintry showers could come down to all levels on Sunday, although most places are expected to miss those showers.
A widespread frost is then expected to follow along with a risk of some icy patches.
Morning frosts will be a feature across Northern Ireland for much of this week
There is a risk of some snow and sleet showers from the north coast of Northern Ireland through the week, mainly over higher ground.
Frosty and possible icy patches will also remain by night.
In the Republic of Ireland a yellow weather warning for ice comes into effect from 18:00 local time on Sunday until 12:00 on Monday.
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Met Éireann has forecast severe frosts, icy stretches, wintry showers and some freezing patches of fog.
They say hazardous travel conditions are expected and the possibility of freezing fog.
The swans at the Waterworks in north Belfast had to dodge surface ice during the December cold snap
A cold weather alert has also been issued by authorities in England, external.
People are being urged to use their heating, despite rising energy prices, and to look out for people who are especially vulnerable.
The level also alerts social and healthcare services to take action to protect high-risk groups.