Turn the heating up ...snow is coming!

THE bitter cold of Irish midwinter will set in today – and bring with it sleet and snow but mostly a deluge of rain that could cause flooding, forecasters warn.

A Met Éireann yellow weather warning is in place, and the Road Safety Authority has urged motorists to exercise caution as flooding may hit some routes.

Temperatures will drop to near freezing tonight after heavy rain lashes Munster and Leinster during the day, while there will be wintry downpours over parts of Ulster and Connacht as temperatures reach just 3C to 6C there.

An estimated 30-40mm of rain is expected to fall by 9pm.

According to Met Éireann, widespread heavy rainfall this morning will increase the risk of localised flooding, particularly over Munster and Leinster.

However, rain will clear eastwards later today.

Midday temperatures will reach 9C to 13C in these provinces, but it will quickly turn chilly in the afternoon. It will be even colder in Ulster and Connacht, where rain could turn into sleet and snow, although this will mainly hit higher ground.

Temperatures will drop to near freezing nationwide tonight.

The RSA has advised drivers that if the road ahead is flooded, choose another route and do not attempt to drive through it as flooded roads could be deeper than they appear.

It has also warned to watch out for washed-out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires and fallen or falling objects.