The extended range forecast, which includes the monthly and seasonal forecasts, can at times provide an insight into weather patterns in the months ahead. However, they should not be used for specific planning purposes as they have generally low skill compared with the 10-day forecast. This is because forecasts beyond one week become increasingly uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere. Further information can be found here: Monthly and seasonal forecast explained.
Images: Shutterstock/gabriel12. Met Éireann HQ during Storm Emma 2018
Issued: Tuesday 24th March 2026
Week 1 – Monday 30th March to Sunday 05th April
For week 1, high pressure will likely dominate, extending from the southwest, bringing settled conditions overall. Some rain and showers are possible, but conditions will be largely dry with rainfall amounts likely below average. Mean air temperatures will likely be a degree or so above average for this time of year.
Week 2 – Monday 06th April to Sunday 12th April
While confidence in week 2 is lower, there is a slight signal for high pressure to continue dominating. Mean air temperatures are signalled to be around normal for this week, while there is an indication for rainfall amounts to continue slightly below average.
Week 3 – Monday 13th April to Sunday 19th April
There is increasing uncertainty in the forecast for week 3. Current indications show neither high nor low pressure dominating, meaning conditions are likely to be more changeable. Mean air temperatures are signalled to be close to average and precipitation amounts near normal overall.
Week 4 – Monday 20th April to Sunday 26th April
In week 4, the forecast confidence is low. There is a slight signal for more unsettled conditions overall, with an indication for slightly higher than average rainfall amounts for April, while mean air temperatures are signalled to be close to normal.
Seasonal Outlook for April, May, and June (AMJ) forecast
The signal from the C3S seasonal models for Ireland during the AMJ period is for above average temperatures. Rainfall amounts are less certain with the possibility of precipitation trending near average overall.
Mean temperatures during AMJ are signalled to be above average overall. Temperatures are likely to trend between 0.2 and 1.0°C above average generally. The potential for warmer than average temperatures increases through the period.
The rainfall forecast is less certain with no clear signal for above or below average rainfall overall. There is potential for both wetter and drier spells within the three months.
The sea surface temperatures around Irish coasts and over the Atlantic are expected to be above average during AMJ, trending 0.2 to 1.0°C degrees higher than normal generally. Sea surface temperatures are expected to be highest in comparison to average away from northwest coasts.