Sea Area Forecast

Forecast valid from: 12:00, Wednesday 14 January 2026 until 12:00, Thursday 15 January 2026

Small Craft Warning

Southerly winds, veering southwesterly, will reach force 6 on all Irish coasts through the period.

Gale Warning

South to southwest winds will reach gale force 8 at times this morning and afternoon (Wednesday) on Irish coastal waters from Valentia to Slyne Head to Bloody Foreland.

Atlantic Swell

Yes

Meteorological Situation at 09:00 UTC

A depression of 968hPa centered off the southeast coast of Greenland, advects a moderate to fresh southerly airflow over Ireland. Frontal troughs are embedded within the flow.

Gale Warning: In effect

Small Craft Warning: In effect

Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes

Wave Height Forecast

Forecast for Irish coastal waters from Rossan Point to Carlingford Lough to Hook Head and for the Irish Sea

Wind: South to southwest force 5 to 7, and occasionally reaching gale force 8. Soon veering southwesterly force 4 to 6, and occasionally force 7. Later decreasing force 4 or 5, and occasionally force 6. Becoming southwesterly force 3 or less or cyclonic variable between Wicklow Head and Hook Head by the end of the period.

Weather: Cloudy with rain, turning heavy at times and possibly thundery. Cloudy to mostly fair with scattered showers soon. Patches of mist and fog possible.

Visibility: Good, reducing moderate to poor in all precipitation, mist and fog.

Forecast for Irish coastal waters from Hook Head to Mizen Head to Rossan Point

Wind: South to southwest force 6 or 7, and occasionally gale force 8. Veering westerly force 4 to 6 imminent. Soon increasing force 5 or 6. Later decreasing southwesterly force 4 or 5, and occasionally force 6.

Weather: Cloudy with rain, turning heavy at times and possibly thundery. Cloudy to mostly fair with scattered showers soon. Patches of mist and fog possible.

Visibility: Good, reducing moderate to poor in all precipitation, mist and fog.

Outlook for a further 24 hours until 12:00, Friday 16 January 2026

Moderate to fresh & gusty southerly winds, strong along Atlantic coasts, will gradually back southeasterly into Friday. In the southeast winds will mostly be light or variable early Thursday before backing southeasterly and strengthening to moderate. Weather: Mostly fair with scattered showers merging into longer spells of rain at times.

Forecast issued at: 12:00, Wednesday 14 January 2026

All times are local unless specified