It’s expected to be freezing this weekend so we have an excuse to drink plenty of hot chocolate

Hot whiskey or tea, anyone?

Pros: It's the weekend, there are plenty of great films in the cinema. Cons: Sub-zero conditions are expected in parts of the country. Here's what the people at Met Éireann are predicting over the coming days. Friday morning is expected to be cloudy but dry, mainly over Ulster and north Leinster, with rain elsewhere. On the plus side, this rain should clear and lead to bright spells and scattered showers throughout the afternoon, with most of the showers in western areas. Tonight's expected to be cold with clear spells and showers. There's also a risk of some hail and thunder in places too. The lowest temperatures will be -1 to 2C with the fog and frost creating some icy patches. Saturday afternoon looks like being the best period of weather this weekend as the day should start with some bright with sunny spells. Occasional showers are expected though, the heaviest and most frequent will be falling in Atlantic coastal counties and over Ulster, with some hail and with an ongoing risk of thunder. Eastern and southern counties are expected to be dry though. The weather is expected to take a turn for the worst on Saturday evening though with frosty and icy patches developing. Lowest temperatures will be plus 1 to -3 C. The frost will hold overnight, over northern areas, but it will clear in Munster, large parts of Leinster and much of Connacht. This increase in cloud will also bring some rain, with a few heavy bursts in places. Sunday will get off to a rainy start in all areas. This being said, drier and brighter weather is expected throughout the country as the day develops. In northern areas, afternoon temperatures are expected to stay between 6 to 9 C.  Cold overnight, with a slight frost and some patches of fog. Lows of zero to plus 3 C.