Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 17:30, Wednesday 16 September 2026 until 18:00, Thursday 17 September 2026
Small Craft Warning
Southwest to west winds will reach force 6 or higher today (Wednesday) and tomorrow on all Irish coasts.
Gale Warning
Nil.
Atlantic Swell
Heavy swell on Atlantic coasts on Thursday and Thursday night.
Meteorological Situation at 15:00 UTC
Ireland lies in a fresh to strong southwesterly airflow, with a depression of 974hPa centred southwest of Iceland. The associated fronts will move eastwards over the country this evening and tonight.
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Valentia to Erris Head to Fair Head
Wind: Southwest force 6 or 7 and gusty. Imminently veering west force 5 to 7 and gusty.
Weather: Cloudy with rain or drizzle and occasional mist. Soon cloudy or fair with scattered showers, becoming isolated later.
Visibility: Moderate to poor in precipitation and mist, otherwise good.
Forecast for Fair Head to Wicklow Head to Valentia and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Southwest force 4 to 6 and gusty. Imminently increasing force 5 to 7 and gusty. Soon veering west force 5 or 6 and gusty.
Weather: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain or drizzle imminent, with occasional mist. Soon fair with scattered showers.
Visibility: Moderate to poor in precipitation and mist, otherwise good.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 18:00, Friday 18 September 2026
Fresh to near gale force westerly winds, decreasing moderate to strong southwest to west on Thursday night. Fresh to near gale force south to southwest winds developing in all areas on Friday, possibly reaching gale force at times in the northwest and on the Irish Sea. Weather: Cloudy or fair with scattered showers. Cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist on Friday.
Forecast issued at: 17:30, Wednesday 16 September 2026
All times are local unless specified
