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
Forecast issued Tuesday, 17th of March 2026
Week 1 – Monday 23rd March to Sunday 29th March
The week is likely to start fairly mixed with showery and breezy weather for a time. However, there is a signal for High Pressure to maintain a significant influence over Ireland’s weather during the week. Rainfall totals are forecast to be below normal nationwide, with the driest weather compared to the climatological average likely in the south-west of the country. Temperatures are forecast to be close to the seasonal norm.
Week 2 – Monday 30th March to Sunday 05th April
Towards the end of March and through the early days of April, weather conditions across Ireland are likely to turn more changeable. High Pressure will maintain its influence to the north of Ireland with Low Pressure likely to form over Europe. Temperatures are forecast to be sightly below the climatological average. Rainfall amounts are likely to be slightly below normal.
Week 3 – Monday 06th April to Sunday 12th April
There is a weak signal for settled weather over Ireland at Forecast Week 3 with High Pressure the more dominant feature of Ireland’s weather. Mean air temperatures are forecast to be close to the seasonal norm, whilst there is a signal for drier than normal conditions.
Week 4 – Monday 13th April to Sunday 19th April
By Forecast Week 4 and into the middle days of April, there is very little signal in the forecast. There is a very slight preference for more unsettled weather conditions than the climatological norm. There is an equal likelihood of above or below average rainfall. There is an equal likelihood of above or below average temperatures.
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.