Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 00:00, Tuesday 17 February 2026 until 00:00, Wednesday 18 February 2026
Small Craft Warning
1. Northwesterly winds will reach force 6 at times early Tuesday on Irish coasts from Malin Head to Fair Head to Belfast Lough.
2. Southeasterly winds will reach force 6 at times on all Irish coasts through Tuesday.
Gale Warning
Southeasterly winds will reach gale force 8 at times Tuesday evening and night on Irish coastal waters from Valentia to Erris Head to Bloody Foreland.
Atlantic Swell
On southwestern, western and northwestern coasts through the first half of Tuesday.
Meteorological Situation at 21:00 UTC
Ireland lies between a depression of 992hPa centred in the North Sea and a broad and complex area of low pressure with multiple centres over the Atlantic. A weather front associated with the Atlantic low pressure approaches the southwest of the country.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Carnsore Point to Slyne Head to Malin Head
Wind: Imminent becoming easterly force 4 or 5, and reaching force 6 between Mizen Head and Loop Head. Soon becoming southeasterly force 4 to 6. Later increasing force 6 or 7, and reaching gale force 8 between Valentia and Bloody Foreland.
Weather: Mostly fair with isolated showers, but with cloud, rain and drizzle spreading from the southwest through the period.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation, otherwise good.
Forecast for Malin Head to Howth Head to Carnsore Point and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Imminent decreasing northerly force 4 or 5. Soon veering northeasterly force 3 or 4. Later gradually veering southeasterly and increasing force 5 or 6, and reaching near gale force 7 north of Belfast Lough.
Weather: Fair. Later becoming cloudy.
Visibility: Good.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 00:00, Thursday 19 February 2026
Strong to gale force southeasterly winds on all Irish coasts will ease strong to near gale force through Wednesday and become mostly confined to the northern half of the country. Winds over the southern half of the country will ease moderate to fresh, and veer southwesterly in the southwest. Weather: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle.
Forecast issued at: 00:00, Tuesday 17 February 2026
All times are local unless specified
