Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Murphy said that the weather over the weekend will be “typical Irish weather”, which would mean a mix of sunshine, clouds and some rain.

Temperatures are expected to hit 21 degrees in parts of the country today

Temperatures will be falling to between -2 and -4 degrees in many areas, with "sharp or severe frost and icy stretches".

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow high temperature advisory for 14 counties including Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Roscommon and Tipperary.

Temperatures could hit highs of 29 degrees in parts of the country today

A “temperature event” of 33 degrees in Dublin’s Phoenix Park has gone from being a once in 180-years event to a once in nine-years event

Met Éireann said a brief return to slightly milder conditions would make way for a widespread chilly spell.