Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 06:00, Thursday 18 December 2025 until 06:00, Friday 19 December 2025
Small Craft Warning
South to southwest winds, veering southwest to west, will reach force 6 at times on all Irish coasts through the period.
Gale Warning
1. South to southwest winds will occasionally reach gale force 8 this morning (Thursday) on Irish coastal waters from Roches Point to Slyne Head to Malin Head. 2. Southwest to west winds will occasionally reach gale force 8 tonight (Thursday night) on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea.
Atlantic Swell
On southwestern, western and northwestern coasts.
Meteorological Situation at 03:00 UTC
A depression of 959hPa centred southwest of Iceland generates a mostly moderate to strong southwesterly airflow over Ireland. Active troughs are embedded in the flow.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Irish coastal waters from Roche's Point to Slyne Head to Malin Head
Wind: Decreasing southwest to west force 4 to 6 imminent. Soon increasing force 6 or 7, possibly reaching gale force 8 at times.
Weather: Cloudy with persistent rain imminent. Soon becoming cloudy to fair with scattered showers, some of which will be heavy and with a chance of hail.
Visibility: Decreasing moderate or poor in precipitation, otherwise good.
Forecast for Irish coastal waters from Malin Head to Howth Head to Roche's Point and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Increasing southerly force 5 to 7 imminent. Soon veering southwest to west force 4 to 6. Later backing southwesterly and increasing force 6 or 7, possibly reaching gale force 8 at times.
Weather: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle imminent. Later becoming fair with isolated showers.
Visibility: Decreasing moderate or poor in precipitation, otherwise good.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 06:00, Saturday 20 December 2025
Strong to near gale force, and occasionally gale force, southwest to west winds will ease fresh to strong on Friday afternoon, before backing southerly and increasing strong to gale force on Friday night. Weather: Cloudy to fair with scattered showers, before a band of rain moves into the west on Friday night.
Forecast issued at: 06:00, Thursday 18 December 2025
All times are local unless specified
