Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 18:00, Thursday 19 February 2026 until 18:00, Friday 20 February 2026
Small Craft Warning
West to southwest winds will increase force 6 or higher tonight and tomorrow on all Irish coasts.
Gale Warning
Southwest winds will reach gale force 8 at times tonight and tomorrow morning on Irish coastal waters from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.
Atlantic Swell
On west and southwest coasts Thursday evening and Friday evening.
Meteorological Situation at 15:00 UTC
Ireland lies in a mainly fresh to strong westerly airflow between a depression of 997hPa centred north of Malin Head and a ridge of high pressure extending from the south.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Mizen Head to Slyne Head to Malin Head
Wind: South to southwest force 5 or 6 imminent. Soon increasing southwest force 6 or 7, occasionally reaching gale force 8. Later decreasing west to southwest force 5 or 6.
Weather: Fair, becoming cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist imminent. Showers soon. Rain by the end of the period.
Visibility: Good, decreasing moderate or poor in precipitation and mist.
Forecast for Malin Head to Howth Head to Mizen Head and for the Irish Sea
Wind: West to southwest force 4 or 5 imminent, soon increasing southwest force 6 or 7. Decreasing westerly force 4 to 6 by the end of the period.
Weather: Cloudy to fair with scattered showers. Rain, drizzle and mist soon, clearing to showers later.
Visibility: Good, decreasing moderate or poor in precipitation and mist.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 18:00, Saturday 21 February 2026
Fresh to near gale force southwest winds. Weather: Outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Mist and fog patches possible.
Forecast issued at: 18:00, Thursday 19 February 2026
All times are local unless specified
