Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 18:00, Thursday 12 February 2026 until 18:00, Friday 13 February 2026
Small Craft Warning
Cyclonic variable winds, gradually becoming north to northeast, will reach force 6 at times on all Irish coasts through the period.
Gale Warning
North to northeast winds will reach gale force 8 at times tonight (Thursday night) and tomorrow (Friday) on Irish coastal waters from Wicklow Head to Mizen Head to Slyne Head.
Atlantic Swell
At times on southwestern and western coasts.
Meteorological Situation at 15:00 UTC
A depression of 981hPa centred over Slyne Head generates a mostly strong to near gale force cyclonic variable airflow over Ireland. An associated occluded weather front lies over the country.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Mizen Head to Bloody Foreland to Howth Head and for the North Irish Sea
Wind: Northeasterly or cyclonic variable force 6 or 7, possibly reaching gale force 8 at times south of Erris Head. Later decreasing northerly force 4 to 6.
Weather: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. Later becoming fair with isolated showers. Some mist and fog patches too.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation or mist and fog, otherwise good.
Forecast for Howth Head to Hook Head to Mizen Head and for the South Irish Sea
Wind: Southwesterly force 4 to 6. Soon becoming cyclonic variable force 3 to 5. Later increasing northerly force 7 to gale force 8. Decreasing force 6 or 7 by the end of the period.
Weather: Cloudy to fair with scattered showers or more persistent spells of rain. Some mist and fog patches too.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation or mist and fog, otherwise good.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 18:00, Saturday 14 February 2026
Fresh to near gale force north to northeast winds, will gradually ease light to moderate through Friday night and Saturday morning. Winds will back southerly and increase fresh to strong in the west through Saturday, reaching near gale to gale force in the west Saturday evening. Weather: Fair with isolated showers. Becoming cloudy in the west with rain developing Saturday afternoon, spreading eastwards through the evening.
Forecast issued at: 18:00, Thursday 12 February 2026
All times are local unless specified
