WARNING: 'We could see prolonged cold spell lasting into first week or two in January'

"We could see a prolonged cold spell that lasts into the first week or two in January," says Carlow forecaster Alan O'Reilly. 

According to www.carlowweather.com, the forecaster said: "The good news is a lovely cold, crisp and sunny Christmas Eve.

"Also a dry Christmas Day for most. Cold though with frost though before rain moves down during St Stephen’s Day.

"Beyond that looks cold but very hard to call the details, a risk of wintry showers over the weekend and into next week.

"The details on just how cold and if we see sleet or snow are not available in a reliable time frame yet.

"We could see a prolonged cold spell that lasts into the first week or two in January. Stay tuned for updates and stay safe."