Parts of the north west and north of Ireland were affected by wintry showers on Wednesday as temperatures struggled to rise above 5 to 6 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Ireland remains under the influence of an Arctic maritime airmass, with overnight temperatures dropping well below freezing in inland locations.

NASA satellite imagery shortly before midday showed white cloud tops drifting south across Ireland.

Local authorities took to social media to update the public on winter road treatment operations. Cork County Council said all Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes would be treated overnight. The council urged drivers not to assume any road is safe and to take care on icy surfaces. Wicklow County Council said all routes would be salted at 4pm and again at 4am.

Weather warnings remain in place until midday on Thursday. Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow snow and ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim and Sligo. Wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow could lead to modest accumulations, especially on high ground, and hazardous travelling conditions with icy stretches are expected.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a Status Yellow snow and ice warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry. Showers on Wednesday night into Thursday will bring icy patches and lying snow in places, with possible travel delays.

Cold conditions are expected to continue until Friday afternoon before an Atlantic system moves in, bringing slightly warmer air.

The weekend will be milder but wetter and windier, with unsettled conditions continuing into next week. Rainfall totals are expected to be lower in eastern and southern parts of Ireland.