THE UNSEASONABLY mild weather of recent days is to give way to temperatures more familiar at Christmas time, with an expected severe frost on St Stephen's night.
It will be mainly dry throughout and into early next week, though, except for a possibility of light rain or drizzle in the west and northwest today.
As temperatures drop tonight, there may be frost in some areas.
Cloud cover will vary on following days, with some sunny intervals except where fog, which will occur at night, lingers in sheltered areas during the day.
While tomorrow will be mild with light southerly winds, it will turn progressively colder from Thursday, Christmas Day, with moderate easterly winds developing.
Nights will be frosty and frost is likely to be severe from Friday, St Stephen's night. Early indications suggest that the dry, cold spell will continue into the new year.
The cool dry conditions will make for ideal walking weather, which has prompted the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team to advise people, particularly "the novice walker", to prepare adequately before setting out.
Paul Gilbert of the rescue team recommends: "Pack the essentials you might otherwise leave behind in finer weather, such as your raingear, hat and gloves. Don't overdo it, but bring what you need to stay warm and dry.
"If you have one, pack a hot flask and remember to bring a torch and spare batteries, even if you plan to be home early."
He is adamant that "the important thing is always to call it a day before you literally walk yourself into real trouble".
"Using your common sense in the first place, when making your preparations and planning your trip, could help you avoid a really unpleasant day out and, in the worst-case scenario, could keep you warm and dry until help arrives."
Any walkers who may need assistance anywhere in Ireland over coming days should dial 999 or 112 and ask for mountain rescue and a local team will be alerted.
