We're in for a bumpy start to 2023 with fluctuating temperatures and changing weather conditions expected over the next few days.

Weather expert Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather spoke to Newstalk about what we can expect as we ring in the New Year.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve will begin cold and rainy with some wintery showers expected in northern regions.

Things will brighten up in the south by evening time with most areas expected to be dry for the countdown.

If you're out celebrating, be sure to wrap up as temperatures will remain low.

New Year's Day

January 1st is looking similar, but the night is expected to be particularly cold, with freezing temperatures in some areas.

Mr O'Reilly says that some showers could be wintery on high ground, "so we could see some sleet or snow on hills and mountains".

There is also a "small risk" of a thunderstorm.

The nighttime could see temperature lows of less than three degrees, "which means for a frosty start for the Bank Holiday Monday".

Bank Holiday

Monday, January 2nd will shape up to be "a lovely day", according to Mr O'Reilly.

Cold and crisp with plenty of sunshine, wind and rain will be at a minimum on Monday.

He warns, however, that due to cold temperatures on Sunday night, "there could be an icy start to the Bank Holiday Monday".

Overall, the weather is expected to become milder as the month of January progresses.

Main image shows the sun rising over Dublin Bay at Sandymount strand. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie