The big thaw is finally here as Met Éireann forecasts an end to cold snap this weekend

An end has finally come for Ireland's freezing temperatures as Met Éireann has forecast a much milder weekend ahead.

Saturday will see some warmer temperatures than in previous days with the highest temperatures reaching from 4 to 7 degrees, areas near the south and west coast will be milder.

There'll be some outbreaks of rain and drizzle in Ulster and Leinster which should gradually clear eastward this morning. Other areas will be largely dry with sunny spells and just isolated showers. There'll be patches of mist and fog too.

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Some will be happy to know that there'll also be some gradual snow melt through the day. However, this thaw could lead to some localised flooding. 

Saturday night will have some showers in Ulster, however it will be otherwise dry with clear spells. More mist and fog will be on its way too. The lowest temperatures will range from -1 to +4 degrees.

Sunday should start off mostly dry with some hazy sunny spells. The southwest and west will see some cloud and patchy light rain or drizzle but this will edge further eastwards throughout the day. Temperatures will gradually rise through the day, with values of 6 to 11 degrees in the afternoon.

Sunday night will be cloudy and breezy with patches of light rain or drizzle. Minimum temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees will occur early on as temperatures increase a little overnight. 

Monday will be mild and cloudy with scattered outbreaks of rain or drizzle. Highest temperatures will range from 11 to 13 degrees.

Monday night will stay mild and cloudy with patches of light rain, drizzle, mist and fog. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees in a light to moderate south to southwest wind.