SNOWY weather which has been affecting parts of the country is set to end and temperatures nationally are likely to rise a few degrees over the next few days, according to Met Eireann.
The weather today is expected to be cold but dry, with some sunny spells, particularly on the east coast. Temperatures are expected to be between 2 and 5 Celsius' for most of today, although overnight there will be a sharp ground frost.
Temperatures were near freezing for most of the weekend, but today and tomorrow they could reach 6 C in some areas. Despite the rise, roads in many areas will have patches of ice, according to a Met Eireann spokesman.
Temperatures in the west are not expected to rise much above 2 C, although the midlands has temperatures at about 1 C, the lowest in the country.
AA Roadwatch is continuing to warn motorists about "hazardous" driving conditions, mainly on secondary roads. In Dublin, housing estates and back roads are "still quite icy"; some of the worst areas affected are Tallaght, Naas and Blessington.
Operation Freeflow, which was introduced before Christmas to alleviate traffic problems in Dublin, remains in operation until January 12th. Further north, the side roads around Drogheda and Dundalk are icy in places and cars using the Dunleer by pass are advised to drive with care.
Roscommon, Kildare and Westmeath, according to the AA, are the worst affected areas for ice.
In Kerry, a flock of sea puffins, who usually nest and feed on their sanctuary among the Blasket Islands, have been reported heading inland to escape the particularly cold weather. The cold had also caused delays at airports at the weekend.
Following reaction to the death yesterday of a man in Galway, a spokesman for the local fire service warned people to stay away from frozen ponds and lakes which have only partially thawed.
Three elderly people in Cork were in a stable condition last night after being taken to hospital at the weekend suffering from hypothermia. Two women and a man - each of whom lived alone - were taken to Cork University Hospital after being discovered by neighbours.