Cold wintry conditions will continue into the weekend, before milder and wetter weather sweeps in bringing at least a temporary reprieve, forecasters say.
As the cold weather continues this week, the Met Office has issued an update on when we can expect to see a change in the current conditions.
A number of weather warning for snow and ice have been issued in Northern Ireland over recent days.
Read more: NI Water dealing with 250% increase in burst mains during current cold spell
The UK will remain cold through rest of this week and into the weekend with the risk of sleet and snow at times continuing mainly across northern areas.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Frank Saunders, said: “The UK will remain in a northerly airflow until the weekend but then the cold conditions, which have dominated our weather patterns, will start to lose ground to a push of mild air from the southwest – but not without problems in the transition period.
“As the mild air meets the cold air currently in situ over the UK there will be a transient spell of snow, even to low levels, especially in the north.
“Add to this the risk of rain falling onto frozen surfaces, and strong winds over upland areas of northern Britain (bringing blizzard conditions briefly), and this could be a day to avoid travelling in some areas, although the snow should turn to rain later.”
He added: “Sunday will see the start of a marked change in weather type. It will remain unsettled into next week, perhaps with a trend down in temperatures once again, although not as cold as we are currently experiencing.
“We could potentially see a return of some wintery hazards but with a lot of uncertainty in how prolonged this might be and what associated hazards it might bring.
“Strong winds could prove disruptive at times in the first half of the week.”
Friday
Patchy rain and snow possible, mainly towards the north coast. However, dry for most with the best of the brightness around Belfast and Newry. Maximum temperature 5 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
Mainly dry on Saturday and less cold, although freshening southerly winds. Windy with rain at times on Sunday, turning much milder. Further rain or showers on Monday.
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