Heavy showers with scattered thunderstorms are expected to move over the country later today and continue right through Thursday morning before moving north and clearing the country by Thursday afternoon.
A significant plume of very warm moist air is moving up from the Iberian peninsula over the country later today and this, coupled with a large complex area of low pressure to our west, will help spark off thunderstorm activity across the country.
Figure 1 – Airmass temperatures (colour scale) increasing from the south with low pressure out to the west of Ireland.
Meteorologist Mark Bowe says “The thunderstorm activity we’re expecting tonight and in the early hours of tomorrow, is actually originating from the far south and is visible on our satellite imagery from this morning at 11am”.
Figure 2 –MSG Visible Satellite @ 11am (11th June 2025) showing a plume of thunderstorms (+ indicates lightning) moving northwards to the west of France.
Bowe continues, “we are monitoring the development of these storms as they track towards us today. We are expecting southern counties to see the first of the thunderstorms this afternoon and evening followed by Leinster getting the bulk of the activity afterwards.”
Met Éireann is expecting heavy showers with localised thunderstorms, and as such we have issued a series of yellow thunderstorm warnings for today and tomorrow. The first of these starts this afternoon for the south and southwest. Overnight and into tomorrow, the eastern half of the country will experience further thunderstorms, which will track northwards though the day.
These warnings may be updated as our meteorologists monitor the situation.
With the heavy and thundery showers there will be risk of spot and localised flooding with possible lightning damage. Travel conditions will also be affected with reduced visibility.
For all the latest updated on this developing situation and for the latest forecasts be sure to check out www.met.ie and our social media channels.
High pressure will dominate Ireland’s weather for the rest of this week and through the bank holiday weekend, bringing settled conditions.
Met Éireann forecaster, Aoife Kealy, says: “High pressure will be centred close to or over Ireland in the coming days. So, while there will be a few showers or patches of rain, overall our conditions will be dry with the high pressure keeping any significant rainfall at bay.”
It will be warm at first, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s for some on Wednesday. However, there is the chance of some heavy showers later in the day.
Aoife continued: “Around midweek, a southeasterly airflow will bring a warm airmass to us from the continent. Combined with plenty of sunshine, that will allow temperatures to climb into the low to mid-twenties for many areas on Wednesday. However, even though most of Wednesday will be dry, there is also the chance that the warm conditions will fuel a few heavy showers or thunderstorms later in the afternoon and evening, those mainly across the west, north and midlands.”
The highest temperature on record for April was 25.8ᵒC, recorded in Donegal on the 26th of April, 1984. So, let’s see if we will match that on Wednesday.
For the end of the working week and into the bank holiday weekend, the temperatures will decrease to the mid to high teens.
Aoife explained: “High pressure is still going to be very close to us but the airflow will become more northerly. Instead of having warm air coming off the continent, some cooler air will move in from the northwest. It’s not going to be cold by any means but there will be a noticeable drop in the temperatures.”
Despite the drop in temperatures, there will still be plenty of dry weather nationwide with minimal rainfall amounts over the weekend.
“Some showers and a few patches of rain and drizzle will occur on Friday, with the chance that the odd light shower or patch of drizzle will sneak in around the fringes of the high pressure over the weekend,” Aoife continues. “So, some places may see small amounts of rainfall through the bank holiday weekend. Overall, though, it’ll be dry with spells of sunshine.”
A reminder that, with the sunnier weather, the UV index will be over the coming days so stay protected from harmful sunrays.
You can check the UV index forecast in your area on the Met Éireann website (www.met.ie/uv-index) or on the app.
Find out more information on how to be SunSmart at www.hse.ie/sunsmart and check out #SunSmart on social media.
Updated on Thursday 23rd January 2025, valid until further notice
STATUS UPDATE
Storm Éowyn is forecast to be a powerful winter storm, which will affect Ireland from Thursday night and during Friday.
Damaging, destructive and dangerous: This is a nationwide multi-hazard event, with associated wind speeds very rarely forecasted for Ireland.
Storm force winds will bring verydamaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130 km/h countrywide (correspondent to red level wind warnings) mostly until midday, preceded and followed by gusts of up to 130 km/h (correspondent to orange level wind warnings) until the storm clears out on Friday evening.
A number of warnings have been issued, please keep up to date with the warnings and the forecast on met.ie, app or social media channels (@meteireann), as they may be updated as the storm approaches.
This level of winds have the potential to pose a threat to life and property, so the public is advised to shelter in placeunder any red level warning, and limit travel to essential only and shelter in place as much as possible under any orange warning, as there will be extremely dangerous travelling conditions, fallen trees, and power outages expected broadly.
“Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”: There is a potential for wave over-topping and coastal flooding in low-lying, exposed coastal areas across the country, especially in Atlantic counties.
Storm Éowyn will also bring heavy rain followed by showers, potentially leading to localised surface flooding, which may prevail into Saturday.
Met Éireann is in constant contact with state emergency management stakeholders and local authorities, and it is planned that under orange warnings essential services operators will continue to operate services, subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions. Always check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) and public service operators via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
The Electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see water.ie.”
SUMMARY OF EXPECTED IMPACTS
Danger to life
Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
High seas: wave over-topping due to strong on-shore winds.
Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas of Atlantic coastal counties (e.g Bantry, Salthill, Galway Bay, Donegal bay)
Unsafe working conditions
Many fallen trees
Significant and widespread power outages
Structural damage
Disruption and cancellations to transport and potentially to other public services.
Cancellation of events
Poor visibility in any sleet or snow (sleet and snow will be transient and limited to the northwest)
Surface water flooding, following the spells of heavy rain, as the ground is saturated countrywide.
Issued on Tuesday 21st January and valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Named by the UK Met Office, Storm Éowyn (pronounced Ay-oh-win) becomes the fifth named storm of the 2024/2025 season. It will bring wet and very windy weather to Ireland starting Thursday night and during Friday (24th January).
Why have we named it? Éowyn is forecast to be a deep low-pressure system, currently set to track to the northwest of Ireland introducing strong southeasterly winds which will veer west to south-westerly and intensify through Friday morning. The system will also bring spells of heavy rain across different parts of the country and sleet and snow to parts of the west and north in particular.
A weather ADVISORY has been issued for Ireland, and weather warnings will follow as this event comes within the range of our high-resolution model (2 days ahead) which will provide more detailed information.
Main impacts will start to be felt overnight on Thursday and through Friday, with some potentially lasting longer:
Dangerous travelling conditions
Displaced objects
Fallen trees
Power outages
Poor visibility in any sleet or snow
Surface water flooding, as the ground is saturated countrywide
Localised river flooding, in view of the rainfall totals expected over the weekend
High seas: wave overtopping at high tide due to strong on-shore winds.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as required.
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
High impact weather is expected for Ireland on Thursday night and on Friday as a deepening low-pressure system, Storm Éowyn, tracks close to the northwest of Ireland. Very strong winds are forecast with spells of heavy rain. Initially the rain will transition to sleet or snow in some parts of the northwest and north of the country, but it will quickly transition back to rain as the system moves through.
Figure 1 – 3 hour mean winds and max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Thursday evening (23rd January) to Friday night (24th January).
Deputy Head of Forecasting, Liz Coleman, says:
“Storm Éowyn will bring wet and very windy conditions on Friday, especially in the west and northwest. The very strong southwest winds with damaging gusts will start to be felt late on Thursday and will cause dangerous travelling conditions on Friday, with the likelihood of trees down and potentially power outages. Wave overtopping is also expected at high tide. There could be localised flooding further into Saturday associated to the heavy rain and to the snow melt.
Western and northwestern counties are likely to see status orange wind warnings as a minimum, but we are monitoring the situation closely and will issue warnings as Met Éireann’s high resolution model, which provides information two days ahead, comes into play. We are in close contact with the NDFEM and emergency management stakeholders and will provide timely updates as the situation progresses.
There will be a short respite from the weather on Saturday as Éowyn moves away, but we are also watching a different low-pressure system, forecast to bring impactful winds and further rain on Sunday. However, in this case the situation is still too uncertain; we will provide updates as the week progresses.”
Figure 2 – 6 hour rainfall forecast showing heavy rain sweeping across the country on Thursday night and into Friday (24th January).
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor powercheck.iein regards to power restoration times
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
“Be Winter Ready”: Follow recommendations before, during and after the event on gov.ie – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
Last season (2023/24) there were fourteen (14) named storms affecting the area, twelve (12) of which were named by the Western Europe Group, formed by UK Met Office, KNMI and Met Éireann, and the other two (2) storms (Elisa and Geraldine) by the Southwestern Europe Group, made up of France, Portugal and Spain.
2023/24 was the season with the highest number of storms named in a season by the Western Europe Group list (12 storms)
2023/24 is the first season since the initiative began in 2015 in which an ‘L’ storm was named from the list of the Western Europe Group – Storm Lilian in August 2024.
The lowest number of named storms since the initiative began was the four (4) named in 2022/23.
Prior to the 2023/24 season, the highest number of named storms occurred in the 2015/16 and 2017/18 seasons, with eleven (11) named storms in each.
Since 2015/16, there has been an average of eight (8) named storms in each season
Season 2015/2016 remains the season with the greatest number of storms reaching Storm Force 10, as nine (9) of the eleven (11) named storms observed Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds at Atlantic coastal stations.
During the past season 2023/24, there were three (3) named storms with Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds or higher:
Storm Force 10 sustained (10-minute mean) wind speeds were observed during named Storm Fergus (91 km/h) and Storm Jocelyn (96 km/h), at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway on Sunday 10th December 2023 and Tuesday 23rd January 2024 respectively.
Violent Storm Force 11 sustained wind speeds were observed at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway during Storm Isha on Sunday 21st January 2024. Before that, Violent Storm Force winds had been last observed during Storm Eunice on Friday 18th February 2022.
No Hurricane strength sustained/mean winds at any Met Éireann wind station have been observed since the Storm Naming initiative began. Storm Ellen in August 2020 came very close to observing winds of this strength, with 111 km/h at Roches Point, Co Cork. The last hurricane force winds affecting Ireland were observed during Storm Darwin on Wednesday 12th February 2014. Hurricane force winds have been observed at coastal western stations, mainly in January (half the time), twice in December and once in February, March and September.
January storms: It is not uncommon to have storms named in the month of January. Since the naming initiative started, 6 out of 9 past seasons have had January storms. The maximum number of storms affecting Ireland in a single January, since the initiative started, is four (4), which happened in 2016 with Eleanor, Fionn, David and Georgina.
Updated on Thursday 9th of January 2025, until further notice.
OVERVIEW
The bitterly cold Arctic airmass that has been affecting the country for the last few days will start to move away with milder conditions developing later in the weekend.
It will remain very cold on Thursday, 9th January, with difficult travelling conditions on the roads and underfoot as well as some transport disruptions.
Cold again overnight on Thursday with widespread sharp frost and icy stretches.
An Orange Low Temperature / Ice warning has been issued for many counties overnight on Thursday and into Friday morning
A weather front will approach the southwest coast on Thursday night and will start to slowly move north-eastwards overnight and through Friday.
It will still be cold for many counties on Friday morning with difficult conditions and temperatures will be slow to increase through the day.
This front will initially give sleet and snow on higher ground but will gradually turn to rain as the front moves north eastwards through Friday
Then on Friday night temperatures are likely to fall just below freezing in some parts of the country
Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting Eoin Sherlock says:
“This prolonged spell of cold, impactful weather is coming to its end this weekend. It is important to note that there will still be dangerous conditions on Thursday and in some places on Friday. On Thursday night a weather front will move into the southwest of the country and it will initially bring some sleet and snow, particularly on higher ground. However, this precipitation will transition to rain as the front moves slowly north eastwards on Friday. The front will cause temperatures to raise a few degrees, with values still in the low single figures for inland areas. Then on Friday night temperatures are likely to stay just above freezing. Temperatures will range from 4 to 8 degrees on Saturday, and temperatures should fall to between 2 and 6 degrees in general. It will be Sunday before temperatures really start to increase with highs of 8 to 11 degrees as a milder airmass takes its place over the country.”
Airmass Temperatures on Thursday through to Monday (9-13th of January)
Issued on Sunday 05th of January 2025, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Bitterly cold Arctic airmass dominates this week.
Very cold nights with widespread sharp frost, icy stretches and lying snow persisting. Please keep up to date with relevant warnings on met.ie.
Airmass Temperatures showing cold Arctic airmass (blue colours) staying with us until the end of the week.
Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above zero in many areas, meaning little to no respite from the frost and ice or melt of lying snow.
This will cause very difficult traveling conditions on the roads and underfoot and transport disruptions.
Wintry showers on Monday (6th of January) into Tuesday (7th of January) of rain, hail, sleet and snow, mainly in northern and western coasts but drifting further inland in fresh and gusty north-westerly winds, leading to further accumulations in some areas and poor visibility in any showers.
Wintry showers of rain, sleet and snow (green colours) on Monday through to Tuesday (6-7th of January).
Winds will also drop off on Tuesday (7th of January) and Wednesday (8th of January) allowing fog and freezing fog to form, which may linger in some areas through the day.
Met Éireann’s Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman, explains:
“This prolonged cold spell will bring very hazardous conditions over the next few days with no real opportunity for melt of significant lying snow. Given there has been a lot of snow over the weekend, as well as rain which has now frozen, there will be really dangerous conditions on the roads. The icy conditions will be particularly impactful for some road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, so alternative travel should be considered if possible.”
Really slippery on footpaths too so tricky conditions underfoot. We’d ask the public give extra time for any travel that they have to make.”
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather; people are advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice.
Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ieand the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Updated on Saturday 4th January 2025, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Warnings have been updated this morning (Saturday 04th of January) to reflect the current situation; check met.ie for details in your area. These may be updated as the situation evolves.
Orange Snow/Ice warnings: Significant snowfall accumulations expected across parts of Munster and south Leinster as heavy rain transitions to sleet and snow on Saturday evening, continuing right through to Sunday. Accumulations of 5cm or more are likely in 24 hours. A status orange snow/ice warning has been issued for multiple counties. Very difficult travelling conditions are expected with poor visibility in any sleet or snow. This will also cause significant travel disruptions and difficult ground conditions.
Orange Rain and Snow warnings: Heavy rain forecastfor counties Kerry, Cork and Waterford. It looks like it will remain as rain for southern parts of the counties with some localised flooding possible. Yellow rain warnings have been issued for these counties for Saturday afternoon upgrading to an orange rain and snow warning on Saturday evening and continuing into Sunday. In Kerry, Cork and Waterford, falls of sleet and snow are most likely away from the coast and particularly at higher elevations in the north of the three counties.
Generally lower snow accumulations, but still impactful in many places, are expected in other counties under a status yellow snow/ice warning through Saturday and Sunday, with accumulations of 1-5cm in 24 hours likely in some areas. Travel disruptions can also be expected in these areas.
The rain, sleet and snow will be accompanied by fresh easterly winds on Saturday night, backing northerly and remaining fresh through Sunday, so there could be some drifting snow at times.
The cause of snow: An area of low-pressure bringing precipitation will track north-eastwards across the country Saturday afternoon, through Saturday night, clearing into the Irish sea during Sunday afternoon. As the mild moist air meets the cold Arctic air, the rain will turn to sleet and snow in many areas.
Why Rain and Snow warning instead of a Snow/Ice? : For the southern counties of Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Wexford, rain and snow warnings have been issued instead of snow/ice warnings. The southern half of these counties will feel greater effect of the milder air keeping the precipitation in liquid form (rain), whereas to the north of these counties and at higher elevations, the rain will transition to sleet and snow.
The cold weather will continuewell into next week as a cold Arctic northerly airflow become established from Sunday night. Lying snow will persist in some areas with frosty and icy conditions countrywide. An Advisory has been issued countrywide for Monday (6th of January) through to Thursday (9th of January).
Figure 1 – Low pressure system approaching Ireland from the southwest on Saturday (4th January). The interaction of this rain moving in from the Atlantic with the cold air already over Ireland will result in falls of rain, sleet and snow (green colours).
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman says: “a lot of people will be returning home from the festive holidays this weekend. We want people to take heed of the warnings and plan in advance as there will be some really tricky driving conditions out there for a near 24 hour period.
This rain sleet and snow will be coupled with blustery east to northeast winds which could lead to some drifting snow for as time as well.”
Stay up to date with the forecast and also with your travel provider as there are likely to be travel disruptions too.
Liz continues: the cold Arctic air will return on Sunday evening and stay with us right out into next week. It will be bitterly cold next week with some lying snow, widespread severe frost and ice and scattered wintry showers. There could be further complications with freezing fog at times, so we ask people pay attention to the weather forecasts and be prepared. “
Figure 2 – Airmass Temperatures showing that the cold temperatures will stay with us into next week.
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone
People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels,www.met.ieand the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
———————————————————————————–
Issued on Friday 3rd January 2025, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
A band of rain moving up over Ireland from the southwest during Saturday will turn increasingly to sleet and snow through Saturday evening and Saturday night with some impactful snow accumulations expected in places before the system clears away to the east during Sunday.
Significant snowfall accumulations expected across parts of Munster and south Leinster as heavy rain transitions to sleet and snow on Saturday evening, continuing right through to Sunday. Accumulations of 5cm or more are likely in 24 hours. A status orange snow/ice warning has been issued for multiple counties. Very difficult travelling conditions are expected with poor visibility in any sleet or snow. This will also cause significant travel disruptions and difficult ground conditions.
Generally lower snow accumulations, but still impactful in many places, are expected in other counties under a status yellow snow/ice warning through Saturday and Sunday, with accumulations of 1-5cm in 24 hours likely in some areas. Travel disruptions can also be expected in these areas.
Heavy rain forecastfor counties Kerry and Cork on Saturday evening and night looks like it will remain as rain for southern parts of the counties with some localised flooding possible. Yellow rain/snow warnings have been issued for these counties. In Kerry and Cork falls of sleet and snow are most likely away from the coast and particularly at higher elevations in the north of the two counties.
The cause of snow: An area of low-pressure bringing precipitation will track north-eastwards across the country Saturday afternoon, through Saturday night, clearing into the Irish sea during Sunday afternoon. As the mild moist air meets the cold Arctic air, the rain will turn to sleet and snow in many areas.
Warnings have been issued to reflect the situation; these may be updated as the situation evolves.
The cold weather will continuewell into next week as a cold Arctic northerly airflow become established from Sunday night. Lying snow will persist in some areas with frosty and icy conditions countrywide.
Figure 1 – Low pressure system approaching Ireland from the southwest on Saturday (4th January). The interaction of this rain moving in from the Atlantic with the cold air already over Ireland will result in falls of rain, sleet and snow (green colours).
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman says: “a lots of people will be returning home from the festive holidays this weekend. We want people to take heed of the warnings and plan in advance as there will be some really tricky driving conditions out there for a near 24 hour period.
This rain, sleet and snow will be coupled with blustery east to northeast winds at times which could lead to some drifting snow for as time as well.
Stay up to date with the forecast and also with your travel provider as there are likely to be travel disruptions too.”
Liz continues: the cold Arctic air will return on Sunday evening and stay with us right out into next week. It will be bitterly cold next week with some lying snow, widespread severe frost and ice and scattered wintry showers. There could be further complications with freezing fog at times, so we ask people to stay in contact with the weather forecasts and be prepared. “
Figure 2 – Airmass Temperatures showing that the cold temperatures will stay with us into next week.
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone
People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels,www.met.ieand the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Updated on 30th December 2024, valid until further notice
Model certainty with respect to the track of the low pressure system on Tuesday night into Wednesday has improved with the majority of solutions keeping its track to the south of the country, therefore we are not expecting any significant severe weather related to it this system. For more details on the weather for the week, check our End of Year Forecast.
Issued 29th December 2024, valid until further notice
A series of low pressure centres are currently developing out in the Atlantic and the first of which is expected to pass over the country this Tuesday followed by another more significant area of low pressure on Wednesday.
Tuesday’s weather is expected to be very unsettled with heavy rain passing down over the country throughout the day.
Met Eireann Meteorologist Mark Bowe commented “the low moving over on Tuesday will bring significant winds to the northwest but rain will be widespread and rather heavy at times too which could lead to spot flooding.”
The forecaster went on to explain that the weather on Wednesday will prove to be a lot more significant with more rain and very strong and blustery winds for all areas.
Bowe continued “ we are currently tracking the development of the low pressure system expected for Wednesday with potentially some very impactful winds across western and southern areas.”
For now the low looks set to track right across the country with significant winds expected for western and southern areas.
Met Eireann’s flood forecasting centre also commented on the significant weather expected adding that soils are saturated or approaching saturation countrywide which will increase rainfall runoff to the rivers. The widespread and prolonged nature of the rain may lead to significant river level increases. There is the potential for surface water flooding where highest rainfall totals are observed.
They went on to mention that we are in a entering spring tides. Significant surge, wind and wave conditions are expected. Coastal inundation is not expected, however, exposed low-lying coastal areas may experience wave overtopping due to strong on-shore winds coinciding with high tide.
Beyond this weather mid-week we are going to experience a rather cold change to the overall regime with very cold northerly air set to sink down across the country to finish out the week. Temperatures are likely to fall well below freezing overnight and struggle to remain in the single figures during the day.
For now Met Eireann forecasters are closely monitoring the situation with special emphasis on the development of the weather for Wednesday with updates likely over the coming days.
Issued on 20thDecember 2024, valid until further notice
Figure 1 – Low pressure to the north of Scotland, generating windy and gusty weather over the weekend.
OVERVIEW
A low-pressure system is set to track to the north of Scotland over the weekend generating a sustained period of strong and gusty west to northwest winds across Ireland from early Saturday morning (21st December) right through to Sunday afternoon. (22nd December).
Met Éireann has issued yellow level wind warnings for western and northwestern coastal counties, with gales to strong gales expected along coasts.
Westerly winds will become strong and gusty overnight on Friday and will continue through Saturday, before veering north-westerly and peaking through Saturday night.
Figure 2 – 1hr max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Saturday morning (21nd December) to Sunday afternoon (22nd December).
Large waves are also forecast for the period with wave overtopping and spray expected along coasts in those counties under yellow wind warnings.This will also lead to difficult travelling conditions in coastal areas. Some fallen trees are also possible.
Figure 3 – Wave heights of 6 – 9m forecastoffshore of western and northern Irish coasts.
Blustery scattered showers are also expected over the weekend, becomingwidespread overnight on Saturday. Some of showers could be heavy and wintry with a mix of rain, hail, sleet and possibly some snow, especially in parts of Ulster and on higher ground.
Deputy Head of Forecasting, Liz Coleman, said:
“We are conscious that this is a busy weekend with people out and about and travelling home for Christmas. We want everyone to be aware that there could be tricky conditions on the road with these sustained winds. People need to take care in coastal areas as well, as there could be some very strong gusts along coasts with wave overtopping. Heed the advice of the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
“We are not planning to name a storm but keep informed for any forecast updates”.
CHRISTMAS WEEK
SUNDAY NIGHT (22nd Dec): The winds will ease with showers becoming isolated on Sunday nights.
MONDAY (23rd Dec): will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of light rain or drizzle spread eastwards through the morning and continuing for the rest of the day. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees with light to moderate southerly breezes, veering westerly later on.
CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY and ST STEPHEN’S DAY will all be mild and mostly cloudy with a fair amount of dry weather and with some light rain or drizzle at times, most likely in western and northern counties. The best of the drier periods will be in the east and southeast. Day time temperatures will reach about 11 or 12 degrees and the nights will be frost-free.
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Updated on 6th December 2024, valid until further notice
LATEST UPDATES
Storm Darragh is developing into a dangerous and very impactful storm, bringing very strong and damaging winds, with dangerous gusts, which are expected to affect the whole country tonight (Friday) and into tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
Storm Darragh brings strong north-westerly winds, which is unusual for Ireland in terms of the combination of such strength and wind direction.This means extra care should be taken. Vulnerable trees and structures that may normally be sheltered from typical storms over Ireland could be more exposed to the strong winds this time around.
Met Éireann has issued red wind warnings for a number of west and northwest counties and for Wicklow in the east, while the rest of the country will be under an orange wind warning tonight and into tomorrow. The warnings can still evolve at this stage as more high-resolution model runs are analysed, so please stay close to the forecast for your area.
While the counties under red wind warning are expected to see extremely strong gusts (more than 130 km/h) and impacts derived of those, the orange wind warning should not be underestimated as it can bring gusts of up to 130 km/h. This wind strength is infrequent and dangerous and can also pose a threat to life and property.
Expected impacts are:
Dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to travel
Fallen trees
Damage to power lines, power outages
Structural damage, especially to temporary structures
Loose debris
Wave overtopping
Potential river flooding brought by the heavy rain over saturated ground
Surface water due to intense rainfall
Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry: Coastal areas across the country but specially in the west and northwest, should be avoided, as the winds will be extremely dangerous and can provoke wave overtopping.
Impacts will start to be felt across this evening and tonight, but power outages, fallen trees and difficult travelling conditions will still be felt after the warnings expire. Please consider any action you can take to prepare you, your family and your property for the arrival of this storm and follow guidance from your local authority and emergency management stakeholders for on-ground, real-time conditions (see below for more safety guidance).
Met Éireann Meteorologist, Liz Walsh, explains:
“Storm Darragh will be a significant and impactful weather event. Strong winds are expected across all parts of the Island. The most intense and damaging gusts are expected to occur tonight and early Saturday morning, especially in, but not limited to, the areas under red warning alerts.
Red warnings are issued when rare and very dangerous weather conditions are expected. We ask people to follow the instructions and advice given by the authorities and be prepared; take action and secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and plan your journeys safely, especially if you need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.
There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localised flooding, along with hazardous travelling conditions.”
SAFETY FIRST – HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
“Be Winter Ready”: All these recommendations and more are on gov.ie – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)
—————————————-end of update ———————————————–
Issued on5thDecember 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Storm Darragh has been named by the UK Met Office. The low-pressure system is set to track over Ireland on Friday afternoon and into Saturday morning, moving over to the UK on Saturday afternoon.
Why Darragh and not Conall? Storm Conall was named by the Dutch meteorological service on 26th November but it was not forecasted to affect Ireland. It did affect the UK and the Netherlands but not Ireland.
What can we expect in Ireland?
Storm Darragh will bring strong and gusty south to southwest winds on Friday afternoon across Ireland. The winds will veer northwest and intensify on Friday night in the southwest, west and northwest of the country, but also in parts of the southeast in the early hours of Saturday, before clearing over to the UK. A yellow wind warning has been issued for the whole of Ireland and orange wind warnings have been issued for areas most affected by intense winds. Travel disruptions and dangerous travelling conditions, fallen trees, displaced objects and power outages can be expected, as well as dangerous conditions at sea and wave over-topping in some coastal areas.
Figure 1 – Hourly mean winds and max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Friday afternoon (05th December) into Saturday (06th December).
Storm Darragh will also bring heavyrain through Friday followed by heavy showers on Saturday morning.A yellow rainfall warninghas been issued over thenorthern half of the country.The ground is saturated or waterlogged countrywide, so any additionalrainfall will flow overland, resulting in surface water flooding, and flow straight into the river network.Some river levels in the West, Midlands and South-Westare still above average, and the additionalforecast rain could result inlocalised river flooding.
Figure 2 – 6 hour rainfall forecast showing heavy rain sweeping across the country on Friday night (05th December) followed by heavy scattered showers into Saturday (06th December).
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman, explains: “Storm Darragh is going to bring quite impactful winds across the country through Friday and into Saturday as the centre of the storm tracks across the northwest of the country.
While it will be windy everywhere, it’s the gusts which can be the most damaging. The intense winds are expected to occur overnight but will continue for a time into Saturday morning, especially in those counties under orange wind warnings. We ask people to be prepared and to secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and to plan their journeys safely if they need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.
There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localised flooding, along with hazardous travelling conditions.”
Post Darragh:
On Saturday, as storm Darragh clears eastwards towards the UK and continental Europe, Ireland will lie in a cold and strong north to northwest airflow. This will feed in showers from the north, of rain, sleet and hail, with some snow showers likely over higher ground. The showers will be most widespread across the north and west but will make their way across the country in fresh to strong and gusty northwest winds.
SAFETY FIRST – HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times .
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
“Be Winter Ready”: All these recommendations and more are on gov.ie – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming program and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
December storms: It is very common to have named storms in the month of December. Since the naming initiative started in 2015, only December 2022 went by without named storms, while all other seasons saw between one and four storms in the month of December. One to remember is Storm Barra around this time in 2021 (7th December), with damaging gusts of up to 135 km/h in coastal areas of the west and southwest of Ireland.
Last season (2023/24) there were fourteen (14) named storms affecting the area, twelve (12) of which were named by the Western Europe Group, formed by UK Met Office, KNMI and Met Éireann, and the other two (2) storms (Elisa and Geraldine) by the Southwestern Europe Group, made up of France, Portugal and Spain.
2023/24 was the season with the highest number of storms named in a season by the Western Europe Group list (12 storms) .
2023/24 is the first season since the initiative began in 2015 in which an ‘L’ storm was named from the list of the Western Europe Group – Storm Lilian in August 2024.
The lowest number of named storms since the initiative began was the four (4) named in 2022/23.
Prior to the 2023/24 season, the highest number of named storms occurred in the 2015/16 and 2017/18 seasons, with eleven (11) named storms in each.
Since 2015/16, there has been an average of eight (8) named storms in each season.
Season 2015/2016 remains the season with the greatest number of storms reaching Storm Force 10, as nine (9) of the eleven (11) named storms observed Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds at Atlantic coastal stations.
During the past season 2023/24, there were three (3) named storms with Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds or higher.
Storm Force 10 sustained (10-minute mean) wind speeds were observed during named Storm Fergus (91 km/h) and Storm Jocelyn (96 km/h), at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway on Sunday 10th December 2023 and Tuesday 23rd January 2024 respectively.
Violent Storm Force 11 sustained wind speeds were observed at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway during Storm Isha on Sunday 21st January 2024. Before that, Violent Storm Force winds had been last observed during Storm Eunice on Friday 18th February 2022.
No Hurricane strength sustained/mean winds at any Met Éireann wind station have been observed since the Storm Naming initiative began. Storm Ellen in August 2020 came very close to observing winds of this strength, with 111 km/h at Roches Point, Co Cork. The last hurricane force winds affecting Ireland were observed during Storm Darwin on Wednesday 12th February 2014. Hurricane force winds have been observed at coastal western stations, mainly in January (half the time), twice in December and once in February, March and September.
For more information on storm names and past storms, Storm Centre and Major Weather Events.
Updated on Friday 22nd November 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
RED rainfall warning – Western parts of Cork and western parts of Galway at high risk: Red rainfall warnings issued for Cork and Galway from tonight until Saturday morning as rainfall accumulations of > 60mm in 12 hours are expected for western parts of Cork and western parts of Galway. Rainfall levels forecasted for other areas of these two counties are likely to fall under orange level thresholds (approx. 40 – 55mm in 12 hours).
ORANGE rainfall warnings for other counties in the south-west, west and north-west.
YELLOW rainfall and wind warning countrywide: Accumulations of around 25mm are likely in a 6 to 12 hour period quite widely across Ireland, starting tonight.
The heavy rain may fall as snow at the start of the event when meeting the cold airmass in the northwest, although it’s expected to transition quite rapidly to rain.
Flooding impacts expected during the whole weekend: Rain is the main feature of this storm, and it is expected to cause significant flooding impacts, which will continue across the weekend even after the rainfall warnings expire, due to the delayed effect of rivers discharge.
Two waves of wind: Yellow wind levels will be felt across the country in two waves: (i) Friday night into Saturday morning, with a lull on Saturday afternoon. (ii) The winds will pick up again on Saturday evening, especially in the south and southeast as a new yellow level wind warning comes into effect. Further yellow level winds are forecast in the northwest for Sunday.
Safety first: Stay in contact with the weather forecast, the warnings and guidance from your local authority and emergency stakeholders at all times (see key safety guidance at the end of this article)
EXPECTED IMPACTS
Severe river flooding: Small upland and urban catchments are at the greatest risk of flooding, since the heavy and prolonged rainfall will fall on already saturated or waterlogged soil and river levels have risen recently. Also there’s potential for larger rivers to go out of bank. Higher totals are forecasted in the south, southwest and west where 24-hour totals could exceed 60 mm, with even higher amounts in mountainous areas.
Surface flooding: snow melt on Thursday and Friday combined with the heavy rainfall on Saturday will exacerbate the effects of flooding in many areas of the west and the southwest.
Damages to houses, business and infrastructure
Dangerous/treacherous travelling conditions
Poor visibility
Power outages
Fallen trees
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Issued on Thursday 21st November 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Storm Bert becomes the second storm of the 2024/2025 season, bringing another change to the weather this weekend – much wetter and windier.
An ADVISORY has been issued for Ireland, together with a number of orange rainfall and yellow warnings, starting Friday night and into Saturday.
Further weather warnings will follow.
Why have we named it? Bert is a low-pressure system currently forming in the Atlantic. When it moves closer to Ireland it will displace the current cold Artic air introducing very strong winds and heavy rain.
Potential impacts considered at the moment are:
Localised river flooding: small upland and urban catchments are at the greatest risk of flooding, particularly in the southwest and west, since the heavy and prolonged rainfall will fall on already saturated or waterlogged soil.
Surface flooding: snow melt on Thursday and Friday will meet heavy rainfall on Saturday
Dangerous travelling conditions
Displaced objects
Fallen trees
Main impacts are expected on Saturday and Sunday, but there’s potential for lasting impacts into early next week.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as Met Éireann’s high resolution model (2 days ahead) provides more detailed information.
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
This weekend, Storm Bert will move close to Ireland, displacing the recent cold Artic airmass. Very strong winds and heavy rain will track north eastwards over the country on Friday night (yellow wind and rain warnings issued nationwide), which will continue right through the weekend.
Figure 1 – 6 hour rainfall forecast showing heavy rain sweeping across the country on Friday night (22nd November) into Saturday (23rd November), following by heavy scattered showers on Sunday (24th November) and Monday (25th November).
Meteorologist Andrew Doran-Sherlock says: “Storm Bert will bring milder but very wet and windy conditions for the weekend. Heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday will likely lead to localised flooding in urban areas and some river catchments particularly in the west and southwest, as this rain is falling on already saturated and waterlogged ground.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will upgrade/issue warnings as Met Éireann’s high resolution model (which provides information 2-days ahead) is analysed.
There’s strong likelihood of status orange wind warnings in western and northwestern counties. The impacts from Storm Bert will commence later on Friday and will continue through the weekend and potentially through early next week as well.”
Figure 2 – 3 hour mean winds and max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Friday afternoon (22nd November) to Monday night (25th November).
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times
“Be Winter Ready”: Follow recommendations before, during and after the event on gov.ie – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
Last season (2023/24) there were fourteen (14) named storms affecting the area, twelve (12) of which were named by the Western Europe Group, formed by UK Met Office, KNMI and Met Éireann, and the other two (2) storms (Elisa and Geraldine) by the Southwestern Europe Group, made up of France, Portugal and Spain.
2023/24 was the season with the highest number of storms named in a season by the Western Europe Group list (12 storms)
2023/24 is the first season since the initiative began in 2015 in which an ‘L’ storm was named from the list of the Western Europe Group – Storm Lilian in August 2024.
The lowest number of named storms since the initiative began was the four (4) named in 2022/23.
Prior to the 2023/24 season, the highest number of named storms occurred in the 2015/16 and 2017/18 seasons, with eleven (11) named storms in each.
Since 2015/16, there has been an average of eight (8) named storms in each season
Season 2015/2016 remains the season with the greatest number of storms reaching Storm Force 10, as nine (9) of the eleven (11) named storms observed Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds at Atlantic coastal stations.
During the past season 2023/24, there were three (3) named storms with Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds or higher:
Storm Force 10 sustained (10-minute mean) wind speeds were observed during named Storm Fergus (91 km/h) and Storm Jocelyn (96 km/h), at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway on Sunday 10th December 2023 and Tuesday 23rd January 2024 respectively.
Violent Storm Force 11 sustained wind speeds were observed at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway during Storm Isha on Sunday 21st January 2024. Before that, Violent Storm Force winds had been last observed during Storm Eunice on Friday 18th February 2022.
No Hurricane strength sustained/mean winds at any Met Éireann wind station have been observed since the Storm Naming initiative began. Storm Ellen in August 2020 came very close to observing winds of this strength, with 111 km/h at Roches Point, Co Cork. The last hurricane force winds affecting Ireland were observed during Storm Darwin on Wednesday 12th February 2014. Hurricane force winds have been observed at coastal western stations, mainly in January (half the time), twice in December and once in February, March and September.
It is not uncommon to have storms named in the month of October. Since the naming initiative started, 5 out of 9 seasons have had October storms, including Ophelia on 16th October 2017 and Babet last year. Prior to storm Ashley, a total of 7 storms have impacted Ireland in October, since 2015.
November storms: It is not uncommon to have storms named in the month of November. Since 2015 when the naming initiative started, 5 out of 9 seasons have had named storms in November. Since 2015, the maximum number of storms affecting Ireland in the month of November is 3, which happened in 2015 and 2023, with Debi, Elisa and Ciarán.
The meteorological information provided below (see “Overview”) is still valid and Storm Ashley has been confirmed as a rapid deepening or explosive cyclogenesis system. It is worth emphasising the complex scenario Storm Ashley will bring to coastal areas of the country, especially as it coincides with to some of the highest tides of the year.
Storm Ashley will also bring spells of heavy rain on Sunday, which is likely to lead to localised flooding in urban areas and small river catchments, as this rain is falling on already saturated and waterlogged ground.
In view of all this, Met Éireann has updated the weather warnings in place for Sunday and added a new yellow rainfall warning (see latest warnings here). Therefore, it is important to re-emphasize the main impacts expected:
Coastal flooding: Storm Surges are expected to reach between 0.5m to 1m on Sunday combined with onshore waves and exceptionally high spring tides. Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal coastlines will be particularly at risk for coastal flooding including wave overtopping in low-lying and exposed areas across all day Sunday.
Large coastal waves: Due to the strong winds, between 1m to 3m waves are forecast in the western bays on Sunday, with offshore waves reaching up to 10 m. This will add to the likelihood of coastal flooding.
Dangerous conditions at sea
Localised flooding due to heavy rainfall falling on already saturated and waterlogged ground
Flying debris, loose objects displaced
Fallen trees
Very difficult travelling conditions
Damage to power lines, power outages
Damage to already weakened structures
Please remember to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry” at all times during this event and have a look at the below section “How to Stay Safe in Extreme Weather” for detailed public authorities’ advice.
The following information is valid on Friday 18th October 2024 and until further update
OVERVIEW
Storm Ashley has been named by Met Éireann, becoming the first storm of the 2024/2025 season.
Storm Ashley is a low-pressure system currently developing in the western North Atlantic, on the southern side of the Jet Stream. It is expected to travel quickly eastwards over the Atlantic this weekend, crossing to the northern side of the Jet Stream, becoming positioned in the left exit region (a developmental area of the Jet) which will cause it to undergo rapid deepening later on Saturday.
Fig 1- ECMWF 00z Run Friday 18th Oct showing atmospheric pressure (black lines) overlayed with the Jet Stream (purple colour), showing how the jet stream will deepen Ashley over the weekend into a storm depression and steer it to the northwest of Ireland and the UK (see Sunday slide below)
The system will become a storm depression as it swings up to the west and northwest of Ireland on Saturday night and Sunday.
Fig 2– ECMWF 00z Run Friday 18th Oct showing atmospheric pressure (black lines) overlaid with the Jet Stream (purple colour), showing Storm Ashley in on the northern part of the jet stream, impacting Ireland and the UK on Sunday.
Met Éireann’s meteorologist Liz Walsh, says:
“Storm Ashley will bring strong southerly winds overnight on Saturday night and early Sunday with a second wave of even stronger south-westerly winds, accompanied by damaging gusts across the country, from mid-morning on Sunday, right though the afternoon and into the evening in some parts.”
She continues:
“We are currently in a period of exceptionally high spring tides, and this, tied in with the strong winds and high waves, will substantially increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially along Atlantic coasts”.
At this time, Met Éireann has issued an OrangeWind Warning for some western counties and a Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland, for Sunday, but the warnings are likely to be updated as more information from our high-resolution models comes in and is analysed by our meteorologists(latest warnings here).
KEY INFORMATION – SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
The potential impacts of Storm Ashley are:
Coastal flooding: Storm Surges are expected to reach between 0.5 metre to 1 metre on Sunday evening combined with onshore waves and high tides Clare, Galway and Mayo Coastlines will be particularly at risk for coastal flooding including wave overtopping in low-lying and exposed areas.
Large coastal waves: Due to the strong winds between 1m to 3m are forecast in the western bays on Sunday, with offshore waves reach up to 10m. This will add to the like hood of coastal flooding.
Dangerous conditions at sea
Flying debris, loose objects displaced
Fallen trees
Very difficult travelling conditions
Damage to power lines, power outages
Damage to already weakened structures
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
Last season (2023/24) there were fourteen (14) named storms affecting the area, twelve (12) of which were named by the Western Europe Group, formed by UK Met Office, KNMI and Met Éireann, and the other two (2) storms (Elisa and Geraldine) by the Southwestern Europe Group, made up of France, Portugal and Spain.
2023/24 was the season with the highest number of storms named in a season by the Western Europe Group list (12 storms)
2023/24 is the first season since the initiative began in 2015 in which an ‘L’ storm was named from the list of the Western Europe Group – Storm Lilian in August 2024.
The lowest number of named storms since the initiative began was the four (4) named in 2022/23.
Prior to the 2023/24 season, the highest number of named storms occurred in the 2015/16 and 2017/18 seasons, with eleven (11) named storms in each.
Since 2015/16, there has been an average of eight (8) named storms in each season
Season 2015/2016 remains the season with the greatest number of storms reaching Storm Force 10, as nine (9) of the eleven (11) named storms observed Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds at Atlantic coastal stations.
During the past season 2023/24, there were three (3) named storms with Storm Force 10 sustained wind speeds or higher:
Storm Force 10 sustained (10-minute mean) wind speeds were observed during named Storm Fergus (91 km/h) and Storm Jocelyn (96 km/h), at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway on Sunday 10th December 2023 and Tuesday 23rd January 2024 respectively.
Violent Storm Force 11 sustained wind speeds were observed at Mace Head (coastal), Co Galway during Storm Isha on Sunday 21st January 2024. Before that, Violent Storm Force winds had been last observed during Storm Eunice on Friday 18th February 2022.
No Hurricane strength sustained/mean winds at any Met Éireann wind station have been observed since the Storm Naming initiative began. Storm Ellen in August 2020 came very close to observing winds of this strength, with 111 km/h at Roches Point, Co Cork. The last hurricane force winds affecting Ireland were observed during Storm Darwin on Wednesday 12th February 2014. Hurricane force winds have been observed at coastal western stations, mainly in January (half the time), twice in December and once in February, March and September.
It is not uncommon to have storms named in the month of October. Since the naming initiative started, 5 out of 9 seasons have had October storms, including Ophelia on 16th October 2017 and Babet last year. Prior to storm Ashley, a total of 7 storms have impacted Ireland in October, since 2015.
The following information is valid on Thursday, 17th October 2024 and until further update.
Summary – A weather advisory has been issued for Ireland
This Friday, a brief period of heavy rain and strong winds across the country is expected.
We are monitoring another low-pressure system which could undergo rapid deepening on Saturday with the potential for strong winds and potentially a named storm; however, uncertainty still exists about this event.
Additionally, we are currently in one of the highest Spring tides of the year and this, tied in with any strong winds and high waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding.
Weather warnings for Saturday/Sunday, related to the Advisory issued for Ireland today,will be issued starting tomorrow, Friday 18thOctober, when Met Éireann’s high–resolution model provides an updated situation about the evolution of the low pressure system, and our meteorologists analyse it.
Meteorological situation
The Jet Stream is expected to become very active across the Atlantic later this week and into this weekend which allowing it to pick up low-pressure systems and deepen them as they cross the Atlantic. The first low pressure system of interest (Figure 1 forecast time 12Z on Friday) is currently off the coast of Newfoundland, (Canada) as of Wednesday 16th October, and this system will undergo a period of deepening as it tracks towards Iceland by Friday night. Even though the low itself won’t impact us directly, an associated active frontal system will move eastwards over Ireland on Friday. All areas are likely to see a brief period of heavy rain and strong winds during the day on Friday.
We are currently in one of the highest Spring tides of the year and unusually high tides mean coastal flooding is possible. These exceptionally high Spring tides are due to the current proximity of the moon to the earth leading to an increased gravitational pull. Given the high astronomical tides any strong winds and high waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially along Atlantic coasts.
Fig 1- Wind and Temperature forecasts at 300 hPa and the Geopotential at 500 hPa
However, our meteorologists’ gaze is also turning towards a different area of low pressure (see Figure 2 below, forecast time 00Z on Sunday), which will be developing in the western North Atlantic, about 500 nautical miles southwest of Nova Scotia. This low-pressure system is expected to travel quickly eastwards over the Atlantic this weekend. Current guidance suggests that this low will be on the southern side of the Jet Stream on Friday and will then cross over to the northern left exit region of the Jet Stream on Saturday. This system is then expected to undergo a period of rapid deepening, creating a storm depression as it swings up to the northwest of Ireland around Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Fig 2: Wind and Temperature forecasts at 300 hPa and the Geopotential at 500 hPa
“There is still a lot of uncertainty in the details at this time, but the potential is there for strong winds and therefore a named storm on Saturday night into Sunday” said Liz Walsh, Met Éireann Meteorologist.
Updated information can be expected as the situation evolves and we analyse model data. Keep up to date with the forecast through your usual channels and for live updates, check met.ie or the Met Éireann app.
UPDATE ON THE HEAVY RAINFALL EVENT FORECAST FOR the weekend of 5th-6th OCTOBER
The following information is valid at 15:30, Friday 4th October 2024 until further updates.
The meteorological situation described yesterday (below) is still valid, with a band of rain expected to trail over the country from Friday night (4th October) through to Saturday night (5th October), with the heaviest and most persistent rain forecast over the southwest and west of the country, particularly over counties Kerry and Cork.
The low pressure system will be slow moving and updates from our models this morning have led to a revision of the warnings issued yesterday. The orange rainfall warnings for Kerry and Cork have been extended for an additional hour to midnight on Saturday (valid from 00:00 Saturday 5th to 00:00 Sunday 6th). Waterford has also been elevated to an orange rainfall warning, valid from 12:00 Saturday to 00:00 Sunday. This is due to a combination of factors: heavy rainfall in mountainous regions, soil conditions which have not recovered from last weekend’s rainfall and the heaviest of the rain coinciding with high tide. All this coupled with fresh to strong onshore winds which will exacerbate river levels.
Figure 1 – Rainfall warnings issued by Met Éireann for Saturday 5th October (valid at time of writing on Friday 4th October)
Accumulations of 30-50 mm over 24h are likely in the counties under yellow warning, however rainfall amounts may be higher on windward slopes of the mountains in west Galway and west Mayo. Parts of Cork, Kerry and Waterford will see totals of 50-70 mm over a 24h period, but similarly, higher accumulations can be expected in mountainous regions of west Kerry and west Cork.
Figure 2 –24 Hour Precipitation Ensemble Forecast Probability Maps, available to the public here ( 24 Hour Precipitation – Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service).The image shows the probability of rainfall accumulations over certain thresholds for this Saturday 5th October to Sunday 6th October.
In view of this, updates topotential impacts expected are:
River flooding: Soils are saturated in some places and river levels are currently low but will respond notably to the amount of rain, with out of bank flooding expected in places. Smaller rivers, especially those prone to flash flooding in urban and upland areas, may rise quickly on Saturday and into Sunday. Rivers in the south and west, particularly in the mountainous areas of Kerry, West Cork and Limerick, as well as Galway and Mayo could be affected. Given the volume of rainfall forecast throughout the weekend, levels will potentially rise in the headwaters of larger rivers including the Lee, Munster Blackwater and Bandon. It’s important to note that rivers are likely to continue to respond and rise over the weekend and into next week with further rain expected.
Coastal flooding: We are in a period of Spring tides, although not a particularly high Spring tide. Onshore winds Saturday evening on the south coast may coincide with high tide (approx. 18:00-20:00), exacerbating rising river levels in estuarine areas, resulting in flooding. Strong onshore winds may lead to wave overtopping in exposed coastal areas.
Dangerous travelling conditions due to low visibility, surface water and potentially flooding.
Travel disruptions.
Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any updates to the warnings.
The timing and location of weather can significantly affect its impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and degree of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions, that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas when issuing a warning.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO PRIOR TO AND DURING EXTREME WEATHER? PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION AND MESSAGES FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) through their website and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, extra medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding, based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor powercheck.ie in regard to power restoration times.
The following information is valid at 18:00, Thursday 3rd October 2024 until further updates.
Through Friday night (4th October) and into Saturday (5th October) a broad area of low pressure will move over Ireland introducing a milder and moist airmass. The progression of this system across Ireland will be stalled due to high pressure over central Europe. A band of rain associated with this system is expected to trail over the country through Saturday 5th October, with the heaviest and most persistent rain forecast over the southwestern and west of the country, particularly over counties Kerry and Cork.
Figure 1 – Rainfall forecast for Friday (4th October) to Sunday (6th October)
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman said: “Friday will be a cloudy and damp day with rain and drizzle in many areas, but the impactful rain will start from Friday night onwards and the rain will be heavy and persistent in many areas for much of Saturday.
Through Saturday, high pressure in the mid-Atlantic, together with an area of low-pressure further north, will work in tandem to drag warm tropical air up over the country. As we know, the warmer the air, the higher its ability to hold moisture, so this event has the potential to be quite impactful.”
Figure 2 – Airmass Temperature and Surface Pressure chart, showing area of low-pressure (L) to the west of Ireland, working in tandem with an area of high-pressure (H) in the mid-Atlantic, which has its origin over warm seas in the tropics (dark orange and red airmass)
Liz Coleman continues: “While much of the west and southwest are forecast to receive over 30mm of rain in a 24h period, our models are currently predicting in excess of 50mm of rain over parts of southwest Kerry and west Cork, with higher accumulations possible in mountainous areas.”
Figure 3 –24 Hour Precipitation Ensemble Forecast Probability Maps, available to the public here ( 24 Hour Precipitation – Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service).The image shows the probability of rainfall accumulations over certain thresholds for this Friday 4th October and Saturday 5th October.
At the time of writing, Met Éireann has issued an ORANGE rainfall warning for counties Cork and Kerry (Valid: 00:00 to 23:00 Saturday 05/10/2024) and a YELLOW rainfall warning for counties Clare, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Mayo (Valid: 00:00 Saturday 05/10/2024 to 00:00 Sunday 06/10/2024).
In view of the situation, potential impacts expected are:
River flooding: Although river levels are generally low, soils are currently nearing saturation. Therefore, given the widespread and prolonged nature of the rain, significant river level increases are expected, with small and upland catchments at the greatest risk of flooding.
Coastal flooding: Fresh to strong southeasterly onshore winds and waves, coinciding with high tide along southern coasts on Saturday evening, could result in wave overtopping. Spring tides may prevent rivers from discharging into the sea at time of high tide, increasing the risk of flooding on coastal areas.
Dangerous travelling conditions due to low visibility, surface water and potentially flooding.
Travel disruptions.
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of weather can significantly affect its impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and degree of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions, that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas when issuing a warning.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO PRIOR TO AND DURING EXTREME WEATHER? PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION AND MESSAGES FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS
Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) through their website and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
Keep a small amount of food, extra medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding, based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
You can monitor powercheck.ie in regard to power restoration times.
Storm Lilian has been named by the UK Met Office – what impacts can we expect in Ireland?
Below valid at 12pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024.
The low-pressure system which will deepen and become Storm Lilian over the next 24 hours can be seen in the mid-Atlantic on the 00 UTC surface analysis chart with its associated fronts.
Fig 1: Surface analysis chart 00UTC
Wind Impacts
While the main impacts associated with Storm Lilian will be felt across the UK in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Met Éireann have issued yellow level wind and rain warnings.
Forecaster Brandon Creagh said: “The centre of the low pressure system is expected to track across the middle of country tonight, bringing unseasonably strong and gusty south to southwest winds which will veer west to northwest as the system tracks eastwards.
The strongest of the winds will occur overnight but with the trees still in full leaf, people need to be careful of debris or branches on the roads tomorrow morning.”
Fig 2: Model output wind and gusts.
Gale warnings are also in effect in eastern and southern sea areas.
Ireland is currently in a period of very high tides. There is a High Tide Advisory in effect for all coasts of Ireland, expiring at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Friday, leading to the continued risk of coastal flooding and wave overtopping on coasts affected by onshore winds.
Rainfall Impacts
This system will also bring heavy rainfall over a short time period with current model output showing the likelihood of exceeding 20mm accumulations over a 6 hour period overnight.
Fig 3: Model output cloud and rainfall.
Status yellow rainfall warnings are in effect for a number of counties. Potential impacts from this heavy rainfall include:
Localised flooding
Difficult travelling conditions
Storm Lilian is the first “L” named storm since storm naming commenced in 2015.
Why was the name “Lilian” chosen?
Storm Lilian is named after Lilian Bland, who was an Anglo-Irish journalist and pioneer aviator. She was the first woman in Ireland to build and fly an aircraft, and quite possibly the world’s first woman to build her own airplane, the Bland Mayfly.
A low-pressure system will steer weather fronts over the country on Sunday and Monday.
This system will bring warm and very moist air, and this has the potential to produce heavy and intense spells of rain, which will fall in a relatively short time.
Expected impacts from the heavy rain will be surface and river flooding as well as disruption to travel.
There are yellow rainfall warnings in place on Sunday for Clare, Donegal and Connacht.
The warnings start at midday and run through to midday on Bank Holiday Monday.
The rain has the potential to cause flooding, damage to temporary structures as well as cause difficult driving conditions.
Early tonight, even heavier rain will move in over the country. Orange rainfall warnings have been issued for Galway, Mayo and Donegal.
The warnings will start at midnight on Sunday and will end at 10:00 on Bank Holiday Monday morning.
As this is a Bank Holiday weekend, there will be many people on holiday, and it is important that they take note of the rainfall warnings and take the appropriate steps to protect themselves.
As well as the unseasonably wet conditions there will be strong winds especially along coasts and over exposed ground so people should take care near the coasts.
The impacts from the rain will continue after the weather warnings cease as there is likely to be surface flooding, as well as runoff from fields and surfaced areas and smaller river catchments impacted by the heavy rain may get out of bank.
Updated on Saturday 03rd August 2024
After a rather pleasant end to July, a broad area of low pressure in the north Atlantic will introduce more unsettled conditions for the August bank holiday weekend. This low pressure will steer frontal systems across Ireland, with spells of heavy rain expected on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, coupled with fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds along Atlantic coasts.
Met Éireann forecaster Aoife Kealy said “It’ll feel fresher on Saturday but despite that, it will be the best day of the weekend. Though the temperatures will drop back to the mid to high teens, there’ll be plenty of dry spells and some sunshine between the scattered showers.”
The drier and brighter weather will be short-lived, as the next low pressure system in the north Atlantic drives weather fronts across Ireland on Sunday and Monday.
Aoife explained “This low pressure system will drag a warm, moist airmass with it from the mid-Atlantic. That warm, moisture-laden air will act like fuel for this system, meaning the rain that it brings will be heavy.”
Through Sunday afternoon and much of Monday, that heavy rain will move eastwards across the country. The rain will be heaviest in the west and southwest with flooding possible. Becoming blustery also, with fresh and gusty southerly winds developing, strong on western and southern coasts.
It will also be very mild on Sunday night due to the warm airmass that the low pressure system will introduce. Temperatures will not fall below 14 to 17 degrees, so it will be an uncomfortable night for sleeping.
Aoife continued “With the bank holiday weekend, more people will be out and about and they may not expect the unseasonably wet weather and strong winds. Sunday will not start off too bad but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. The rain will get progressively heavier through the afternoon and evening with those southerly winds picking up, so make sure to check the forecast and any warnings for your area before heading out.”
Yellow warnings have been issued for heavy rainfall for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal from Sunday afternoon through to Monday afternoon.
Potential impacts:
Localised flooding
Damage to temporary structures
Difficult travel conditions
Poor visibility
Stay in contact with the forecast over the coming days for the most up to date information on met.ie and on the Met Éireann app, particularly if planning outdoor activities.
Looking ahead to next week, current indications suggest that while it will be largely unsettled with showers and rain at times, no further impactful weather is expected.
Meteorologist's Commentary
Thunderstorm activity today and into Thursday, June 12th
Issued on 11th June
Heavy showers with scattered thunderstorms are expected to move over the country later today and continue right through Thursday morning before moving north and clearing the country by Thursday afternoon.
A significant plume of very warm moist air is moving up from the Iberian peninsula over the country later today and this, coupled with a large complex area of low pressure to our west, will help spark off thunderstorm activity across the country.
Figure 1 – Airmass temperatures (colour scale) increasing from the south with low pressure out to the west of Ireland.
Meteorologist Mark Bowe says “The thunderstorm activity we’re expecting tonight and in the early hours of tomorrow, is actually originating from the far south and is visible on our satellite imagery from this morning at 11am”.
Figure 2 –MSG Visible Satellite @ 11am (11th June 2025) showing a plume of thunderstorms (+ indicates lightning) moving northwards to the west of France.
Bowe continues, “we are monitoring the development of these storms as they track towards us today. We are expecting southern counties to see the first of the thunderstorms this afternoon and evening followed by Leinster getting the bulk of the activity afterwards.”
Met Éireann is expecting heavy showers with localised thunderstorms, and as such we have issued a series of yellow thunderstorm warnings for today and tomorrow. The first of these starts this afternoon for the south and southwest. Overnight and into tomorrow, the eastern half of the country will experience further thunderstorms, which will track northwards though the day.
These warnings may be updated as our meteorologists monitor the situation.
With the heavy and thundery showers there will be risk of spot and localised flooding with possible lightning damage. Travel conditions will also be affected with reduced visibility.
For all the latest updated on this developing situation and for the latest forecasts be sure to check out www.met.ie and our social media channels.
A settled end to April and a dry May bank holiday weekend
High pressure will dominate Ireland’s weather for the rest of this week and through the bank holiday weekend, bringing settled conditions.
Met Éireann forecaster, Aoife Kealy, says: “High pressure will be centred close to or over Ireland in the coming days. So, while there will be a few showers or patches of rain, overall our conditions will be dry with the high pressure keeping any significant rainfall at bay.”
It will be warm at first, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s for some on Wednesday. However, there is the chance of some heavy showers later in the day.
Aoife continued: “Around midweek, a southeasterly airflow will bring a warm airmass to us from the continent. Combined with plenty of sunshine, that will allow temperatures to climb into the low to mid-twenties for many areas on Wednesday. However, even though most of Wednesday will be dry, there is also the chance that the warm conditions will fuel a few heavy showers or thunderstorms later in the afternoon and evening, those mainly across the west, north and midlands.”
The highest temperature on record for April was 25.8ᵒC, recorded in Donegal on the 26th of April, 1984. So, let’s see if we will match that on Wednesday.
For the end of the working week and into the bank holiday weekend, the temperatures will decrease to the mid to high teens.
Aoife explained: “High pressure is still going to be very close to us but the airflow will become more northerly. Instead of having warm air coming off the continent, some cooler air will move in from the northwest. It’s not going to be cold by any means but there will be a noticeable drop in the temperatures.”
Despite the drop in temperatures, there will still be plenty of dry weather nationwide with minimal rainfall amounts over the weekend.
“Some showers and a few patches of rain and drizzle will occur on Friday, with the chance that the odd light shower or patch of drizzle will sneak in around the fringes of the high pressure over the weekend,” Aoife continues. “So, some places may see small amounts of rainfall through the bank holiday weekend. Overall, though, it’ll be dry with spells of sunshine.”
A reminder that, with the sunnier weather, the UV index will be over the coming days so stay protected from harmful sunrays.
You can check the UV index forecast in your area on the Met Éireann website (www.met.ie/uv-index) or on the app.
Find out more information on how to be SunSmart at www.hse.ie/sunsmart and check out #SunSmart on social media.
Storm Éowyn has been named
Updated on Thursday 23rd January 2025, valid until further notice
STATUS UPDATE
SUMMARY OF EXPECTED IMPACTS
Issued on Tuesday 21st January and valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Main impacts will start to be felt overnight on Thursday and through Friday, with some potentially lasting longer:
We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as required.
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
High impact weather is expected for Ireland on Thursday night and on Friday as a deepening low-pressure system, Storm Éowyn, tracks close to the northwest of Ireland. Very strong winds are forecast with spells of heavy rain. Initially the rain will transition to sleet or snow in some parts of the northwest and north of the country, but it will quickly transition back to rain as the system moves through.
Figure 1 – 3 hour mean winds and max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Thursday evening (23rd January) to Friday night (24th January).
Deputy Head of Forecasting, Liz Coleman, says:
“Storm Éowyn will bring wet and very windy conditions on Friday, especially in the west and northwest. The very strong southwest winds with damaging gusts will start to be felt late on Thursday and will cause dangerous travelling conditions on Friday, with the likelihood of trees down and potentially power outages. Wave overtopping is also expected at high tide. There could be localised flooding further into Saturday associated to the heavy rain and to the snow melt.
Western and northwestern counties are likely to see status orange wind warnings as a minimum, but we are monitoring the situation closely and will issue warnings as Met Éireann’s high resolution model, which provides information two days ahead, comes into play. We are in close contact with the NDFEM and emergency management stakeholders and will provide timely updates as the situation progresses.
There will be a short respite from the weather on Saturday as Éowyn moves away, but we are also watching a different low-pressure system, forecast to bring impactful winds and further rain on Sunday. However, in this case the situation is still too uncertain; we will provide updates as the week progresses.”
Figure 2 – 6 hour rainfall forecast showing heavy rain sweeping across the country on Thursday night and into Friday (24th January).
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
For more information on storm names and past storms, see Storm Centre and Major Weather Events
Cold Weather (6th – 10th January 2025)
Updated on Thursday 9th of January 2025, until further notice.
OVERVIEW
The bitterly cold Arctic airmass that has been affecting the country for the last few days will start to move away with milder conditions developing later in the weekend.
Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting Eoin Sherlock says:
“This prolonged spell of cold, impactful weather is coming to its end this weekend. It is important to note that there will still be dangerous conditions on Thursday and in some places on Friday.
On Thursday night a weather front will move into the southwest of the country and it will initially bring some sleet and snow, particularly on higher ground. However, this precipitation will transition to rain as the front moves slowly north eastwards on Friday. The front will cause temperatures to raise a few degrees, with values still in the low single figures for inland areas. Then on Friday night temperatures are likely to stay just above freezing.
Temperatures will range from 4 to 8 degrees on Saturday, and temperatures should fall to between 2 and 6 degrees in general. It will be Sunday before temperatures really start to increase with highs of 8 to 11 degrees as a milder airmass takes its place over the country.”
Airmass Temperatures on Thursday through to Monday (9-13th of January)
Issued on Sunday 05th of January 2025, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Bitterly cold Arctic airmass dominates this week.
Airmass Temperatures showing cold Arctic airmass (blue colours) staying with us until the end of the week.
Wintry showers of rain, sleet and snow (green colours) on Monday through to Tuesday (6-7th of January).
Met Éireann’s Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman, explains:
“This prolonged cold spell will bring very hazardous conditions over the next few days with no real opportunity for melt of significant lying snow. Given there has been a lot of snow over the weekend, as well as rain which has now frozen, there will be really dangerous conditions on the roads. The icy conditions will be particularly impactful for some road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, so alternative travel should be considered if possible.”
Really slippery on footpaths too so tricky conditions underfoot. We’d ask the public give extra time for any travel that they have to make.”
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ieand the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Wintry Conditions for the Weekend (4th- 5th January 2025)
Updated on Saturday 4th January 2025, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Figure 1 – Low pressure system approaching Ireland from the southwest on Saturday (4th January). The interaction of this rain moving in from the Atlantic with the cold air already over Ireland will result in falls of rain, sleet and snow (green colours).
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman says: “a lot of people will be returning home from the festive holidays this weekend. We want people to take heed of the warnings and plan in advance as there will be some really tricky driving conditions out there for a near 24 hour period.
This rain sleet and snow will be coupled with blustery east to northeast winds which could lead to some drifting snow for as time as well.”
Stay up to date with the forecast and also with your travel provider as there are likely to be travel disruptions too.
Liz continues: the cold Arctic air will return on Sunday evening and stay with us right out into next week. It will be bitterly cold next week with some lying snow, widespread severe frost and ice and scattered wintry showers. There could be further complications with freezing fog at times, so we ask people pay attention to the weather forecasts and be prepared. “
Figure 2 – Airmass Temperatures showing that the cold temperatures will stay with us into next week.
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
———————————————————————————–
Issued on Friday 3rd January 2025, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
A band of rain moving up over Ireland from the southwest during Saturday will turn increasingly to sleet and snow through Saturday evening and Saturday night with some impactful snow accumulations expected in places before the system clears away to the east during Sunday.
Figure 1 – Low pressure system approaching Ireland from the southwest on Saturday (4th January). The interaction of this rain moving in from the Atlantic with the cold air already over Ireland will result in falls of rain, sleet and snow (green colours).
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman says: “a lots of people will be returning home from the festive holidays this weekend. We want people to take heed of the warnings and plan in advance as there will be some really tricky driving conditions out there for a near 24 hour period.
This rain, sleet and snow will be coupled with blustery east to northeast winds at times which could lead to some drifting snow for as time as well.
Stay up to date with the forecast and also with your travel provider as there are likely to be travel disruptions too.”
Liz continues: the cold Arctic air will return on Sunday evening and stay with us right out into next week. It will be bitterly cold next week with some lying snow, widespread severe frost and ice and scattered wintry showers. There could be further complications with freezing fog at times, so we ask people to stay in contact with the weather forecasts and be prepared. “
Figure 2 – Airmass Temperatures showing that the cold temperatures will stay with us into next week.
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING WINTRY WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Potentially significant and impactful weather in store this Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a sharp cold snap to finish out the week. - UPDATED
Updated on 30th December 2024, valid until further notice
Model certainty with respect to the track of the low pressure system on Tuesday night into Wednesday has improved with the majority of solutions keeping its track to the south of the country, therefore we are not expecting any significant severe weather related to it this system. For more details on the weather for the week, check our End of Year Forecast.
Issued 29th December 2024, valid until further notice
A series of low pressure centres are currently developing out in the Atlantic and the first of which is expected to pass over the country this Tuesday followed by another more significant area of low pressure on Wednesday.
Tuesday’s weather is expected to be very unsettled with heavy rain passing down over the country throughout the day.
Met Eireann Meteorologist Mark Bowe commented “the low moving over on Tuesday will bring significant winds to the northwest but rain will be widespread and rather heavy at times too which could lead to spot flooding.”
The forecaster went on to explain that the weather on Wednesday will prove to be a lot more significant with more rain and very strong and blustery winds for all areas.
Bowe continued “ we are currently tracking the development of the low pressure system expected for Wednesday with potentially some very impactful winds across western and southern areas.”
For now the low looks set to track right across the country with significant winds expected for western and southern areas.
Met Eireann’s flood forecasting centre also commented on the significant weather expected adding that soils are saturated or approaching saturation countrywide which will increase rainfall runoff to the rivers. The widespread and prolonged nature of the rain may lead to significant river level increases. There is the potential for surface water flooding where highest rainfall totals are observed.
They went on to mention that we are in a entering spring tides. Significant surge, wind and wave conditions are expected. Coastal inundation is not expected, however, exposed low-lying coastal areas may experience wave overtopping due to strong on-shore winds coinciding with high tide.
Beyond this weather mid-week we are going to experience a rather cold change to the overall regime with very cold northerly air set to sink down across the country to finish out the week. Temperatures are likely to fall well below freezing overnight and struggle to remain in the single figures during the day.
For now Met Eireann forecasters are closely monitoring the situation with special emphasis on the development of the weather for Wednesday with updates likely over the coming days.
Windy weather this weekend (21st –22nd December) and an early overview of Christmas weather
Issued on 20th December 2024, valid until further notice
Figure 1 – Low pressure to the north of Scotland, generating windy and gusty weather over the weekend.
OVERVIEW
Figure 2 – 1hr max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Saturday morning (21nd December) to Sunday afternoon (22nd December).
Figure 3 – Wave heights of 6 – 9 m forecast offshore of western and northern Irish coasts.
Deputy Head of Forecasting, Liz Coleman, said:
“We are conscious that this is a busy weekend with people out and about and travelling home for Christmas. We want everyone to be aware that there could be tricky conditions on the road with these sustained winds. People need to take care in coastal areas as well, as there could be some very strong gusts along coasts with wave overtopping. Heed the advice of the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
“We are not planning to name a storm but keep informed for any forecast updates”.
CHRISTMAS WEEK
NOTE THAT:
Warnings can be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Storm Darragh has been named (6th – 7th December 2024)
Updated on 6th December 2024, valid until further notice
LATEST UPDATES
Expected impacts are:
Met Éireann Meteorologist, Liz Walsh, explains:
“Storm Darragh will be a significant and impactful weather event. Strong winds are expected across all parts of the Island. The most intense and damaging gusts are expected to occur tonight and early Saturday morning, especially in, but not limited to, the areas under red warning alerts.
Red warnings are issued when rare and very dangerous weather conditions are expected. We ask people to follow the instructions and advice given by the authorities and be prepared; take action and secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and plan your journeys safely, especially if you need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.
There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localised flooding, along with hazardous travelling conditions.”
SAFETY FIRST – HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
—————————————-end of update ———————————————–
Issued on 5th December 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Storm Darragh has been named by the UK Met Office. The low-pressure system is set to track over Ireland on Friday afternoon and into Saturday morning, moving over to the UK on Saturday afternoon.
What can we expect in Ireland?
Figure 1 – Hourly mean winds and max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Friday afternoon (05th December) into Saturday (06th December).
Figure 2 – 6 hour rainfall forecast showing heavy rain sweeping across the country on Friday night (05th December) followed by heavy scattered showers into Saturday (06th December).
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman, explains: “Storm Darragh is going to bring quite impactful winds across the country through Friday and into Saturday as the centre of the storm tracks across the northwest of the country.
While it will be windy everywhere, it’s the gusts which can be the most damaging. The intense winds are expected to occur overnight but will continue for a time into Saturday morning, especially in those counties under orange wind warnings. We ask people to be prepared and to secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and to plan their journeys safely if they need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.
There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localised flooding, along with hazardous travelling conditions.”
Post Darragh:
SAFETY FIRST – HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming program and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
For more information on storm names and past storms, Storm Centre and Major Weather Events.
Storm Bert named by Met Éireann (22nd – 24th November 2024)
Updated on Friday 22nd November 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
EXPECTED IMPACTS
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
Issued on Thursday 21st November 2024, valid until further notice
OVERVIEW
Storm Bert becomes the second storm of the 2024/2025 season, bringing another change to the weather this weekend – much wetter and windier.
An ADVISORY has been issued for Ireland, together with a number of orange rainfall and yellow warnings, starting Friday night and into Saturday.
Further weather warnings will follow.
Why have we named it? Bert is a low-pressure system currently forming in the Atlantic. When it moves closer to Ireland it will displace the current cold Artic air introducing very strong winds and heavy rain.
Potential impacts considered at the moment are:
Main impacts are expected on Saturday and Sunday, but there’s potential for lasting impacts into early next week.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as Met Éireann’s high resolution model (2 days ahead) provides more detailed information.
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
This weekend, Storm Bert will move close to Ireland, displacing the recent cold Artic airmass. Very strong winds and heavy rain will track north eastwards over the country on Friday night (yellow wind and rain warnings issued nationwide), which will continue right through the weekend.
Figure 1 – 6 hour rainfall forecast showing heavy rain sweeping across the country on Friday night (22nd November) into Saturday (23rd November), following by heavy scattered showers on Sunday (24th November) and Monday (25th November).
Meteorologist Andrew Doran-Sherlock says: “Storm Bert will bring milder but very wet and windy conditions for the weekend. Heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday will likely lead to localised flooding in urban areas and some river catchments particularly in the west and southwest, as this rain is falling on already saturated and waterlogged ground.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will upgrade/issue warnings as Met Éireann’s high resolution model (which provides information 2-days ahead) is analysed.
There’s strong likelihood of status orange wind warnings in western and northwestern counties. The impacts from Storm Bert will commence later on Friday and will continue through the weekend and potentially through early next week as well.”
Figure 2 – 3 hour mean winds and max gusts. The colours represent wind warning levels for gusts from Friday afternoon (22nd November) to Monday night (25th November).
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
For more information on storm names and past storms, see Storm Centre and Major Weather Events
Potentially impactful weather Friday 18th October and over the weekend (19th- 20th October) - Storm Ashley
Saturday 19th October 2024 updates:
The meteorological information provided below (see “Overview”) is still valid and Storm Ashley has been confirmed as a rapid deepening or explosive cyclogenesis system. It is worth emphasising the complex scenario Storm Ashley will bring to coastal areas of the country, especially as it coincides with to some of the highest tides of the year.
Storm Ashley will also bring spells of heavy rain on Sunday, which is likely to lead to localised flooding in urban areas and small river catchments, as this rain is falling on already saturated and waterlogged ground.
In view of all this, Met Éireann has updated the weather warnings in place for Sunday and added a new yellow rainfall warning (see latest warnings here). Therefore, it is important to re-emphasize the main impacts expected:
Please remember to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry” at all times during this event and have a look at the below section “How to Stay Safe in Extreme Weather” for detailed public authorities’ advice.
The following information is valid on Friday 18th October 2024 and until further update
OVERVIEW
Storm Ashley has been named by Met Éireann, becoming the first storm of the 2024/2025 season.
Storm Ashley is a low-pressure system currently developing in the western North Atlantic, on the southern side of the Jet Stream. It is expected to travel quickly eastwards over the Atlantic this weekend, crossing to the northern side of the Jet Stream, becoming positioned in the left exit region (a developmental area of the Jet) which will cause it to undergo rapid deepening later on Saturday.
Fig 1- ECMWF 00z Run Friday 18th Oct showing atmospheric pressure (black lines) overlayed with the Jet Stream (purple colour), showing how the jet stream will deepen Ashley over the weekend into a storm depression and steer it to the northwest of Ireland and the UK (see Sunday slide below)
The system will become a storm depression as it swings up to the west and northwest of Ireland on Saturday night and Sunday.
Fig 2 – ECMWF 00z Run Friday 18th Oct showing atmospheric pressure (black lines) overlaid with the Jet Stream (purple colour), showing Storm Ashley in on the northern part of the jet stream, impacting Ireland and the UK on Sunday.
Met Éireann’s meteorologist Liz Walsh, says:
“Storm Ashley will bring strong southerly winds overnight on Saturday night and early Sunday with a second wave of even stronger south-westerly winds, accompanied by damaging gusts across the country, from mid-morning on Sunday, right though the afternoon and into the evening in some parts.”
She continues:
“We are currently in a period of exceptionally high spring tides, and this, tied in with the strong winds and high waves, will substantially increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially along Atlantic coasts”.
At this time, Met Éireann has issued an Orange Wind Warning for some western counties and a Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland, for Sunday, but the warnings are likely to be updated as more information from our high-resolution models comes in and is analysed by our meteorologists (latest warnings here).
KEY INFORMATION – SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
The potential impacts of Storm Ashley are:
NOTE THAT:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER
WHY AND HOW ARE STORMS NAMED?
Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the three partner countries. This enables consistent, authoritative messaging to the public and other stakeholders to help them to prepare for and stay safe during potentially severe weather events.
Since 2015, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands’ KNMI in 2019, to form the ‘western group’ of European weather services.
When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region, or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm. Storm naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow, or a combination of these conditions. Those warnings are, in turn, issued based on a combination of numerical thresholds and the potential impacts foreseen.
HOW ARE STORM NAMES CHOSEN?
Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI publish a new list of storm names for each Storm Season, which commences on 1st September.
This 2024/25 season, each of the three meteorological services contributed seven names to the season’s list. Met Éireann’s contributions to this year’s list were taken from more than 500 suggestions by primary school children participating in ESB Science Blast last February.
The full 2024/25 list is Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Éowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, Wren, with Met Éireann contributing the names for C, D, H, I, N, P and V (names chosen by Met Éireann in bold).
(Note – letters Q, U, X, Y, Z are not included, in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming convention.)
PAST STORM SEASONS OVERVIEW
For more information on storm names and past storms, see Storm Centre and Major Weather Events
The following information is valid on Thursday, 17th October 2024 and until further update.
Summary – A weather advisory has been issued for Ireland
This Friday, a brief period of heavy rain and strong winds across the country is expected.
We are monitoring another low-pressure system which could undergo rapid deepening on Saturday with the potential for strong winds and potentially a named storm; however, uncertainty still exists about this event.
Additionally, we are currently in one of the highest Spring tides of the year and this, tied in with any strong winds and high waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding.
Weather warnings for Saturday/Sunday, related to the Advisory issued for Ireland today, will be issued starting tomorrow, Friday 18th October, when Met Éireann’s high–resolution model provides an updated situation about the evolution of the low pressure system, and our meteorologists analyse it.
Meteorological situation
The Jet Stream is expected to become very active across the Atlantic later this week and into this weekend which allowing it to pick up low-pressure systems and deepen them as they cross the Atlantic. The first low pressure system of interest (Figure 1 forecast time 12Z on Friday) is currently off the coast of Newfoundland, (Canada) as of Wednesday 16th October, and this system will undergo a period of deepening as it tracks towards Iceland by Friday night. Even though the low itself won’t impact us directly, an associated active frontal system will move eastwards over Ireland on Friday. All areas are likely to see a brief period of heavy rain and strong winds during the day on Friday.
We are currently in one of the highest Spring tides of the year and unusually high tides mean coastal flooding is possible. These exceptionally high Spring tides are due to the current proximity of the moon to the earth leading to an increased gravitational pull. Given the high astronomical tides any strong winds and high waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially along Atlantic coasts.
Fig 1- Wind and Temperature forecasts at 300 hPa and the Geopotential at 500 hPa
However, our meteorologists’ gaze is also turning towards a different area of low pressure (see Figure 2 below, forecast time 00Z on Sunday), which will be developing in the western North Atlantic, about 500 nautical miles southwest of Nova Scotia. This low-pressure system is expected to travel quickly eastwards over the Atlantic this weekend. Current guidance suggests that this low will be on the southern side of the Jet Stream on Friday and will then cross over to the northern left exit region of the Jet Stream on Saturday. This system is then expected to undergo a period of rapid deepening, creating a storm depression as it swings up to the northwest of Ireland around Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Fig 2: Wind and Temperature forecasts at 300 hPa and the Geopotential at 500 hPa
“There is still a lot of uncertainty in the details at this time, but the potential is there for strong winds and therefore a named storm on Saturday night into Sunday” said Liz Walsh, Met Éireann Meteorologist.
Updated information can be expected as the situation evolves and we analyse model data. Keep up to date with the forecast through your usual channels and for live updates, check met.ie or the Met Éireann app.
Heavy Rainfall Event, Weekend of October 5/6th 2024 - UPDATED
UPDATE ON THE HEAVY RAINFALL EVENT FORECAST FOR the weekend of 5th-6th OCTOBER
The following information is valid at 15:30, Friday 4th October 2024 until further updates.
The meteorological situation described yesterday (below) is still valid, with a band of rain expected to trail over the country from Friday night (4th October) through to Saturday night (5th October), with the heaviest and most persistent rain forecast over the southwest and west of the country, particularly over counties Kerry and Cork.
The low pressure system will be slow moving and updates from our models this morning have led to a revision of the warnings issued yesterday. The orange rainfall warnings for Kerry and Cork have been extended for an additional hour to midnight on Saturday (valid from 00:00 Saturday 5th to 00:00 Sunday 6th). Waterford has also been elevated to an orange rainfall warning, valid from 12:00 Saturday to 00:00 Sunday. This is due to a combination of factors: heavy rainfall in mountainous regions, soil conditions which have not recovered from last weekend’s rainfall and the heaviest of the rain coinciding with high tide. All this coupled with fresh to strong onshore winds which will exacerbate river levels.
Figure 1 – Rainfall warnings issued by Met Éireann for Saturday 5th October (valid at time of writing on Friday 4th October)
Accumulations of 30-50 mm over 24h are likely in the counties under yellow warning, however rainfall amounts may be higher on windward slopes of the mountains in west Galway and west Mayo. Parts of Cork, Kerry and Waterford will see totals of 50-70 mm over a 24h period, but similarly, higher accumulations can be expected in mountainous regions of west Kerry and west Cork.
Figure 2 –24 Hour Precipitation Ensemble Forecast Probability Maps, available to the public here ( 24 Hour Precipitation – Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service). The image shows the probability of rainfall accumulations over certain thresholds for this Saturday 5th October to Sunday 6th October.
In view of this, updates to potential impacts expected are:
Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any updates to the warnings.
The timing and location of weather can significantly affect its impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and degree of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions, that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas when issuing a warning.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO PRIOR TO AND DURING EXTREME WEATHER? PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION AND MESSAGES FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS
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METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
The following information is valid at 18:00, Thursday 3rd October 2024 until further updates.
Through Friday night (4th October) and into Saturday (5th October) a broad area of low pressure will move over Ireland introducing a milder and moist airmass. The progression of this system across Ireland will be stalled due to high pressure over central Europe. A band of rain associated with this system is expected to trail over the country through Saturday 5th October, with the heaviest and most persistent rain forecast over the southwestern and west of the country, particularly over counties Kerry and Cork.
Figure 1 – Rainfall forecast for Friday (4th October) to Sunday (6th October)
Deputy Head of Forecasting Liz Coleman said: “Friday will be a cloudy and damp day with rain and drizzle in many areas, but the impactful rain will start from Friday night onwards and the rain will be heavy and persistent in many areas for much of Saturday.
Through Saturday, high pressure in the mid-Atlantic, together with an area of low-pressure further north, will work in tandem to drag warm tropical air up over the country. As we know, the warmer the air, the higher its ability to hold moisture, so this event has the potential to be quite impactful.”
Figure 2 – Airmass Temperature and Surface Pressure chart, showing area of low-pressure (L) to the west of Ireland, working in tandem with an area of high-pressure (H) in the mid-Atlantic, which has its origin over warm seas in the tropics (dark orange and red airmass)
Liz Coleman continues: “While much of the west and southwest are forecast to receive over 30mm of rain in a 24h period, our models are currently predicting in excess of 50mm of rain over parts of southwest Kerry and west Cork, with higher accumulations possible in mountainous areas.”
Figure 3 –24 Hour Precipitation Ensemble Forecast Probability Maps, available to the public here ( 24 Hour Precipitation – Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service). The image shows the probability of rainfall accumulations over certain thresholds for this Friday 4th October and Saturday 5th October.
At the time of writing, Met Éireann has issued an ORANGE rainfall warning for counties Cork and Kerry (Valid: 00:00 to 23:00 Saturday 05/10/2024) and a YELLOW rainfall warning for counties Clare, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Mayo (Valid: 00:00 Saturday 05/10/2024 to 00:00 Sunday 06/10/2024).
In view of the situation, potential impacts expected are:
The warnings are likely to be updated. Please keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app to stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings’ updates.
The timing and location of weather can significantly affect its impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.
When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and degree of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. Met Éireann takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions, that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas when issuing a warning.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO PRIOR TO AND DURING EXTREME WEATHER? PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION AND MESSAGES FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS
Meteorologists Commentary – Storm Lilian
Storm Lilian has been named by the UK Met Office – what impacts can we expect in Ireland?
Below valid at 12pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024.
The low-pressure system which will deepen and become Storm Lilian over the next 24 hours can be seen in the mid-Atlantic on the 00 UTC surface analysis chart with its associated fronts.
Fig 1: Surface analysis chart 00UTC
Wind Impacts
While the main impacts associated with Storm Lilian will be felt across the UK in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Met Éireann have issued yellow level wind and rain warnings.
Forecaster Brandon Creagh said: “The centre of the low pressure system is expected to track across the middle of country tonight, bringing unseasonably strong and gusty south to southwest winds which will veer west to northwest as the system tracks eastwards.
The strongest of the winds will occur overnight but with the trees still in full leaf, people need to be careful of debris or branches on the roads tomorrow morning.”
Fig 2: Model output wind and gusts.
Gale warnings are also in effect in eastern and southern sea areas.
Ireland is currently in a period of very high tides. There is a High Tide Advisory in effect for all coasts of Ireland, expiring at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Friday, leading to the continued risk of coastal flooding and wave overtopping on coasts affected by onshore winds.
Rainfall Impacts
This system will also bring heavy rainfall over a short time period with current model output showing the likelihood of exceeding 20mm accumulations over a 6 hour period overnight.
Fig 3: Model output cloud and rainfall.
Status yellow rainfall warnings are in effect for a number of counties. Potential impacts from this heavy rainfall include:
Storm Lilian is the first “L” named storm since storm naming commenced in 2015.
Why was the name “Lilian” chosen?
Storm Lilian is named after Lilian Bland, who was an Anglo-Irish journalist and pioneer aviator. She was the first woman in Ireland to build and fly an aircraft, and quite possibly the world’s first woman to build her own airplane, the Bland Mayfly.
For further information on storm naming check https://www.met.ie/forecasts/storm-names.
An unseasonably wet and blustery August bank holiday weekend.
Update – Sunday August 4th 2024
A low-pressure system will steer weather fronts over the country on Sunday and Monday.
This system will bring warm and very moist air, and this has the potential to produce heavy and intense spells of rain, which will fall in a relatively short time.
Expected impacts from the heavy rain will be surface and river flooding as well as disruption to travel.
There are yellow rainfall warnings in place on Sunday for Clare, Donegal and Connacht.
The warnings start at midday and run through to midday on Bank Holiday Monday.
The rain has the potential to cause flooding, damage to temporary structures as well as cause difficult driving conditions.
Early tonight, even heavier rain will move in over the country. Orange rainfall warnings have been issued for Galway, Mayo and Donegal.
The warnings will start at midnight on Sunday and will end at 10:00 on Bank Holiday Monday morning.
As this is a Bank Holiday weekend, there will be many people on holiday, and it is important that they take note of the rainfall warnings and take the appropriate steps to protect themselves.
As well as the unseasonably wet conditions there will be strong winds especially along coasts and over exposed ground so people should take care near the coasts.
The impacts from the rain will continue after the weather warnings cease as there is likely to be surface flooding, as well as runoff from fields and surfaced areas and smaller river catchments impacted by the heavy rain may get out of bank.
Updated on Saturday 03rd August 2024
After a rather pleasant end to July, a broad area of low pressure in the north Atlantic will introduce more unsettled conditions for the August bank holiday weekend. This low pressure will steer frontal systems across Ireland, with spells of heavy rain expected on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, coupled with fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds along Atlantic coasts.
Met Éireann forecaster Aoife Kealy said “It’ll feel fresher on Saturday but despite that, it will be the best day of the weekend. Though the temperatures will drop back to the mid to high teens, there’ll be plenty of dry spells and some sunshine between the scattered showers.”
The drier and brighter weather will be short-lived, as the next low pressure system in the north Atlantic drives weather fronts across Ireland on Sunday and Monday.
Aoife explained “This low pressure system will drag a warm, moist airmass with it from the mid-Atlantic. That warm, moisture-laden air will act like fuel for this system, meaning the rain that it brings will be heavy.”
Through Sunday afternoon and much of Monday, that heavy rain will move eastwards across the country. The rain will be heaviest in the west and southwest with flooding possible. Becoming blustery also, with fresh and gusty southerly winds developing, strong on western and southern coasts.
It will also be very mild on Sunday night due to the warm airmass that the low pressure system will introduce. Temperatures will not fall below 14 to 17 degrees, so it will be an uncomfortable night for sleeping.
Aoife continued “With the bank holiday weekend, more people will be out and about and they may not expect the unseasonably wet weather and strong winds. Sunday will not start off too bad but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. The rain will get progressively heavier through the afternoon and evening with those southerly winds picking up, so make sure to check the forecast and any warnings for your area before heading out.”
Yellow warnings have been issued for heavy rainfall for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal from Sunday afternoon through to Monday afternoon.
Potential impacts:
Localised flooding
Damage to temporary structures
Difficult travel conditions
Poor visibility
Stay in contact with the forecast over the coming days for the most up to date information on met.ie and on the Met Éireann app, particularly if planning outdoor activities.
Looking ahead to next week, current indications suggest that while it will be largely unsettled with showers and rain at times, no further impactful weather is expected.
Forecasts