Snow: ready to return

WEATHER forecasters are predicting the possible return of snowy conditions this week.

However, despite the dreaded prospects of more wintery weather, it is not expected to be anything like as cold as it was in the run-up to Christmas.

According to Met Éireann, the first week of 2011 will bring with it freezing temperatures. Tonight it is expected to drop to -6ºC in the northern half of the country.

The south will remain slightly warmer but snow is a distinct possibility on higher ground.

From Wednesday, things are set to become a little less predictable. Weather experts say they are expecting a band of precipitation to sweep across the country, bringing with it icy showers of sleet and possibly snow.