Is snow on the way this weekend for Northern Ireland?

We've had the first mention of snow from the Met Office! ❄️

The weather is expected to turn later in the week with overnight temperatures likely to dip below zero on Thursday night.

Forecasters predict daytime temperatures will be in single figures for most, with overnight frosts possible.

As the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds, it looks like there could be bit more than gales on the way.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Almond, explains "Gusts of wind are likely to reach 50 to 60 mph widely, with 70 to 80 mph possible in coastal locations, particularly in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"As well as strong winds, rain will also move south across the country on Friday, with showers following turning increasingly to hill snow in the north.

"This wintry mix of showers will continue on Saturday, and although snow is possible almost anywhere away from the far-south, accumulations are likely to be confined to hills."

The weekend's weather could cause delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport with a small chance exposed roads and bridges could close.

There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs and delays in Christmas markets and light switch-ons.

The unsettled pattern looks likely to continue into next week with showers and rain, possibly falling as snow over hills, in the north at times.

Take a look a more detailed look at NI's forecast:

Tonight: A mix of clear spells and a few showers, mainly around the north coast. Strong northerly winds continuing through the night and feeling very cold. Minimum temperature of 2°C

Thursday: A mainly dry and bright day, a few showers around northern coasts. Feeing chilly in the brisk northwesterly wind. Cloud spreading south in the evening

Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Showery Friday morning with showers turning wintry on higher ground later. Becoming very windy overnight and on Saturday with showers wintry to low levels

Read more:

Local weather expected to take a dramatic turn this weekend

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• local weather
• Snow
• yellow weather warning
• Met Office