Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 06:00, Wednesday 18 February 2026 until 06:00, Thursday 19 February 2026
Small Craft Warning
1. Southeasterly winds will increase to force 6 or higher on Irish coasts from Slyne Head to Belfast Lough to Dungarvan this morning, becoming confined to Irish coasts from Rossan Point to Fair Head to Carlingford Lough this evening.
2. Northwest winds will reach force 6 or higher tonight on Irish coasts from Roches Point to Valentia to Slyne Head.
Gale Warning
1. Southeasterly winds will reach gale force 8 today on Irish coastal waters from Erris Head to Strangford Lough to Dungarvan and on the Irish Sea.
2. Northwesterly winds will reach gale force 8 tonight on Irish coastal waters from Roches Point to Valentia to Loop Head.
Atlantic Swell
Developing on southwestern and western coasts tomorrow (Wednesday).
Meteorological Situation at 03:00 UTC
Low pressure of 981hPa centred approximately 260nm west of Slyne Head extends a strong to gale force south to southeast airflow over Ireland.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Erris Head to Strangford Lough to Dungarvan and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Southeast force 6 to gale force 8. Soon decreasing force 5 to 7, but gale force 8 in the north. Later decreasing east to southeast force 3 to 5.
Weather: Cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist.
Visibility: Moderate or poor in precipitation and mist.
Forecast for Dungarvan to Valentia to Erris Head
Wind: South to southwest force 5 to 7, decreasing force 3 or 4 imminent. Soon veering west to southwest force 4 to 6. Later increasing northwest force 6 to gale force 8.
Weather: Cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist. Cloudy to fair with showers later.
Visibility: Moderate or poor in precipitation and mist.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 06:00, Friday 20 February 2026
Strong to gale force northwest winds in the west and south will decrease fresh westerly through Thursday, while elsewhere winds will be mainly light to moderate and variable. On Thursday night winds will become southwesterly in all areas increasing fresh to near gale force. Weather: Rain and drizzle easing Thursday, becoming cloudy to fair with showers. Cloudy with rain extending from the west Thursday night.
Forecast issued at: 06:00, Wednesday 18 February 2026
All times are local unless specified
