HEAVY snowfall and sleet showers are expected to hit Donegal this week, with temperatures expected to plummet to sub-zero temperatures at night.

Met Eireann have warned that the north and north-east of the country will experience the brunt of the bad weather, as the country prepares itself for the first cold snap this winter.

Met Eireann issued warnings that Donegal will experience heavy snowfall, with many coastal areas likely to have several sleet and snow showers, but these are not expected to last. Temperatures during the day will vary between three and six degrees, and it will remain very cold and windy.

"There will be widespread ground frost that will be sharp to severe in certain parts of the country," says a Met Eireann spokesperson.

ABOVE AVERAGE

"The weather has been exceptionally mild so far this winter. Temperatures have been way above average, so this will be the first really cold spell that we've seen so far. People should take note of that and take greater care on the roads."

The cold snap will last throughout the week in the North West and is expected to lead to treacherous conditions on the county's roads.