Wrap-up Warm As Winter Returns

Today's sunshine could be just a 'smoke-screen' as the early spring weather isn't going to last for long.

Cold winter temperatures are due to return later this week with heavy snow showers forecast for most of Northern Ireland.

Temperatures are due to dip below freezing on Friday night with warnings of icy patches, high winds and snow showers.

However, the wintry conditions are due to improve by Saturday with rising temperatures forecast.

Those living around the northern and western regions are expected to be most affected by snow showers with the wintry weather predicted for Thursday and Friday.

It will also be windy as strong winds are expected this evening, prior to the cold snap moving in on Thursday.

A spokesperson for PA Weather said: "Sleet and hail showers are expected on Thursday and as we go through the day, temperatures will become increasingly cold with the emergence of snow showers.

"These will be across the north and west of Northern Ireland but given the strong winds, it's likely Belfast will experience some snow."

More sleet and snow is forecast for Friday with warnings of widespread icy conditions.

And temperatures on Friday evening could dip to as low as minus 4 so it will be pretty chilly in Northern Ireland on Thursday and Friday.

(BMcC)