Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 18:00, Tuesday 20 January 2026 until 18:00, Wednesday 21 January 2026
Small Craft Warning
Southeasterly or cyclonic variable winds will reach force 6 or higher at times on all Irish coasts
during the period.
Gale Warning
1. Southeast winds will reach gale force 8 for a time this evening (Tuesday) and early tonight on Irish coastal waters from Malin Head to Belfast Lough to Strangford Lough and on the north Irish Sea.
2. East or southeast winds will reach gale force 8 at times tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and afternoon on Irish coastal waters from Strangford Lough to Carnsore Point to Valentia and on the Irish Sea.
Atlantic Swell
At times on southwestern coasts this evening (Tuesday), tonight and tomorrow morning (Wednesday).
Meteorological Situation at 15:00 UTC
A strong to near gale force southeasterly, veering southwesterly airflow covers Ireland, generated by a complex area of low pressure of 976hPa, centred in the mid-Atlantic with a secondary depression of 983hPa, centred just off the southwest coast. Associated frontal troughs are tracking northeastwards over the country.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Slyne Head to Malin Head to Howth Head and for the North Irish Sea
Wind: Decreasing southeast or south force 5 to 7 and gusty imminent, strongest in the north. Soon decreasing mainly force 5 or 6. Later increasing easterly or cyclonic variable force 5 to 7, strongest in the east and northeast where it may reach gale force 8 at times.
Weather: Cloudy to fair with scattered showers. Cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist later.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation and mist, otherwise good.
Forecast for Howth Head to Roches Point to Slyne Head and for the South Irish Sea
Wind: Decreasing south or southwest force 5 or 6 imminent. Soon increasing southeasterly force 5 to 7, strongest in the south and southwest. Later increasing easterly force 6 or 7, occasionally gale force 8 in the south and southeast. Decreasing cyclonic variable force 4 to 6 by the end of the period.
Weather: Cloudy to fair with scattered showers. Cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist soon. Showers or longer spells of rain later.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation and mist, otherwise good.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 18:00, Thursday 22 January 2026
Mostly moderate to strong northwesterly or cyclonic variable winds in the south and west, reaching near gale force at times in the southwest, easing mostly light to moderate westerly or variable by the end of the period. Mostly fresh to near gale force southeasterly winds in the north and east, gradually easing mostly moderate to strong and veering southwesterly in the southeast towards the end of the period. Weather: Showers or longer spells of rain, some of which will be heavy, becoming isolated in the south and east towards the end of the period.
Forecast issued at: 18:00, Tuesday 20 January 2026
All times are local unless specified
