SNOW TRACKER: Parts of Ireland braced for 20cm of snow amid latest Arctic forecast

Ireland is bracing for widespread snow later this week with weather models now showing a dusting of the white stuff for much of the country, with highest amounts of up to 20cm on higher ground.

Met Éireann's outlook says this week will be "cold with frost and icy stretches and the possibility of wintry falls of sleet or snow at times."

They are predicting sprinklings of sleet earlier in the week before the possibility of snow arrives on Thursday. A snow warning has already been issued for Northern Ireland with the Met Office warning that "a period of snowfall could bring some disruption on Thursday and into Friday morning."

Met Éireann has also issued a series of warnings for Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan and Connacht.

A Status Yellow snow-ice warning for Cavan, Monaghan and Connacht says "a band of rain will turn increasingly to sleet and snow on Thursday." This warning is valid from 2am to 6pm on Thursday.

A similar warning is in place for Donegal but it is valid until 8pm on Thursday. Further warnings are likely in the coming days.

Predicted impacts include ice on untreated surfaces, hazardous driving conditions, travel disruption and poor visibility.

Meanwhile, Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has pinpointed the areas set to see the heaviest snow and when the snowfall will occur. 

"The latest guidance on Thursday’s snow risk has delivered some greater detail this morning, with an increased chance of some heavy and potentially disruptive snow for a time throughout Thursday across a large swathe of the country," Cathal said.

"A developing area of low pressure to the southwest is expected to push north eastwards and stall close to the southeast of Ireland, with its associated rain bearing weather fronts turning to snow as it bumps into colder air already on place.

"The northern two thirds of Ireland are expected to remain on the cold side of this low pressure with a risk of some moderate to heavy falls of snow in places throughout Thursday leading to a risk of between 5-10cm of snow widely for a time.

"Areas of high ground above 150-200 metres are particularly vulnerable, with mountainous areas seeing between 10-20cm of snow in some areas with disruption to elevated routes likely, especially across Connacht and Central areas.

"IWC has now issued a Status Yellow Weather Alert for Thursday with this warning subject to developments as we approach Thursday. Upgrades are possible, though some areas may be downgraded depending on the lows final path."

Between now and then, Met Éireann is predicting very unsettled weather.

"Most areas will be dry and clear but some wintry showers are possible near northern coasts [on Tuesday night]. It will be cold with frost and ice as temperatures fall to between -2 and +2 degrees, in a light west to northwest winds. Isolated mist patches possible also.

"Wednesday morning will be cold with frost and icy stretches. It will be mostly dry apart from the chance of an isolated shower in the north. Otherwise there'll be hazy sunny spells at first, but cloud will spread from the south through the day and patchy rain will develop in the south and southwest. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in a light and variable wind.

"Rain or sleet will extend across Munster, Connacht and Leinster on Wednesday night and snow is possible on higher ground. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +2 degrees in a light to moderate east to northeast wind, freshening later.

"Rain and sleet will move further north on Thursday, clearing to scattered showers in the south later. Snow is possible in northern areas, especially on higher ground. Cold and breezy, with highest temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees, milder further south in a moderate to fresh northeasterly wind.

"Rain and sleet will continue over the northern half of the country on Thursday night, with scattered showers further south. Further falls of snow are possible on higher ground in the north. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with a moderate to fresh east to northeast wind.

"Staying unsettled with showers or spells of rain or sleet. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees generally, milder in the south, with a moderate to fresh northeasterly wind.

"Showers or spells of rain and possible sleet will continue into Friday night. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with a light northerly or variable breeze.

"Current indications suggest Saturday will be a mainly cloudy and wet day with further spells of rain or showers. Highest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees with a mainly light cyclonic variable breeze."

Beyond that, Met Éireann's outlook sees things "staying cold and unsettled for the remainder of the weekend."