INSTEAD of a white Christmas it could be a white New Year should weather conditions continue, according to Met Eireann.
The latest weather forecasts suggest that the scene is set for snow as temperatures average 2 to 5 Celsius.
But a spokesman for the weather service said intermittent snow showers would affect the east coast only.
Slightly higher temperatures in the rest of the country promise rain rather than snow. Still, most parts of Leinster can expect some snow covering this week.
Whatever the situation, harsh weather similar to that in parts of Europe over the weekend is likely to affect Ireland.
At least 74 people, many of them homeless, have died in northern and eastern Europe, where temperatures have fallen as low as -37 C.
Yesterday a couple were drowned at Grays, north east of London, when they plunged into an ice covered lake to try to save their Labrador dog, which later swam to safety.
William and Jill Willis, both 58 of Upminster, Essex, died despite the attempts of rescue workers to save them.
At home thousands of people are expected to travel over the next few days, and AA Roadwatch is warning motorists of icy roads.
Fog, which caused severe delays to flights in Britain, is not expected during the week.
A spokeswoman for Dublin Airport did not expect delays today and said tomorrow "looked quite good", but she did not rule out delays if heavy snowfalls took place. No delays are expected on any ferry sailings at present.
AA Roadwatch expects many people will travel back to Dublin today and tomorrow, and delays are likely along several routes to the capital.
Back roads are the most dangerous, and black ice demands particular care from motorists, a spokesman said.