IF YOU LIVE on higher ground, you will be among the only people in the country who see a white Christmas.

Met Éireann says that while today will see plenty of frost and ice, there will only be sleet or snow on high ground.

The rest of the day’s forecast says there will be heavy rain in many areas. A yellow rainfall warning has gone into effect for Leinster and Munster and will stay in place until 6pm.

Between 25 and 40 millimetres of rain is expected to fall.

The forecast says:

“Cold over Ulster with highs of just four to six Celsius, with fresh southeasterly winds making it feel colder.

“But milder over the southern half of the country by mid afternoon, with highs of eight to 12 Celsius. Becoming windy later also, with southwest winds increasing fresh to strong.”

Tonight will be misty and cloudy with widespread rain over Munster and Leinster.

Tomorrow will be largely similar, but Saturday night will become much colder.