Weather Warnings Explained

One of our most important roles here in Met Éireann is to issue warnings ahead of severe weather. We issue three categories of weather warnings, yellow, orange and red. In this video, meteorologist Siobhán Ryan explains what each warning category means and what action is warranted for each.

“A status yellow weather alert is given to warn those at risk from certain weather because of their location and/or their activity. It advises these people to take preventative action. Expected weather conditions in a status yellow alert do not pose an immediate risk to the general population.”

“A status orange weather warning is given before expected weather conditions that could significantly impact people, property and activity in an area. People in the affected areas should prepare appropriately now for the anticipated conditions.”

“A status red severe weather warning is rarely issued but when it is, people in the areas expected to be affected should take action to protect themselves and/or their properties.”

“These three warning categories are issued whenever certain weather conditions are expected within a 48 hour window. They can be issued at any time of year. Status orange or red, for example, can be given at times of very high temperatures.”

“Met Éireann also issues Weather Advisories. These are issued for dangerous weather expected in over 48 hours’ time.”

You can find a further explanation of weather warnings on our website here.

Current weather warnings are displayed here.