Weather warning issued for entire country as 3cm of snow is expected to fall in next 36 hours

Met Eireann have issued a weather warning for the entire country as the risk of snow has heightened due to the predicted drop in temperatures over the next 36 hours.

The Status Yellow weather warning will be in place from 4pm today until the same time on Friday, with the weather experts expecting up to 3cm of snow to fall in some parts of the country.

Kildare should escape the heaviest snow, but there is a threat of icy stretches on roads along with showers of sleet falling at times.

"Scattered snow showers will occur later Thursday, Thursday night and into Friday," predict Met Eireann.

"Slight to moderate accumulations are possible with up to 3cm in parts. Icy stretches too. North and northwest counties will be most at risk, as well as higher ground elsewhere."