Temperatures are set to plummet over the coming days and nights, with the thermometer sinking to -5C in places.
Sleet and hail showers are expected on higher ground, with some thundery conditions at times.
Saturday and Sunday will be mostly dry, cold, but with long sunny spells.
Into next week, daytime temperatures will range between 2 and 6C. Nights will be even colder, with widespread frost and icy patches nationwide.