Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory with warnings expected to follow Saturday
Wet and unseasonably windy weather expected
A greater number of people will be exposed to these weather conditions due to large number of outdoor events, camping, etc
Some Potential Impacts
Dangerous travelling conditions
Fallen trees, debris and loose objects
Structural damage
Knock on impacts for outdoor events
Power outages
Wave overtopping
Localised flooding due to leaves and debris
Meteorological Situation
Unseasonably impactful weather is expected for Sunday night and into Monday as a deepening low pressure system, Storm Floris, will likely track to the northwest of Ireland bringing a spell of heavy rain and very strong winds.
The storm, which has currently not yet formed, is expected to develop through Friday from a frontal wave, currently lying to the south of Nova Scotia.
An unusually strong Jet for the time of year will carry the system towards Ireland through the weekend, with the storm deepening rapidly (approximately 20hPa in 24 hours between Sunday and Monday).
Storm Floris is currently expected to track to the northwest of Ireland through Sunday night and Monday morning, before tracking over Scotland before clearing into the North Sea later in the day.
Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock says:
“Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday. However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued.”
However, as this is a Public Holiday Weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case. And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west.
Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities.”
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.
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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.
Meteorologist's Commentary
Storm Floris: Sunday night and Public Holiday Monday
Important Information
Some Potential Impacts
Meteorological Situation
Unseasonably impactful weather is expected for Sunday night and into Monday as a deepening low pressure system, Storm Floris, will likely track to the northwest of Ireland bringing a spell of heavy rain and very strong winds.
The storm, which has currently not yet formed, is expected to develop through Friday from a frontal wave, currently lying to the south of Nova Scotia.
An unusually strong Jet for the time of year will carry the system towards Ireland through the weekend, with the storm deepening rapidly (approximately 20hPa in 24 hours between Sunday and Monday).
Storm Floris is currently expected to track to the northwest of Ireland through Sunday night and Monday morning, before tracking over Scotland before clearing into the North Sea later in the day.
Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock says:
“Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday. However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued.”
However, as this is a Public Holiday Weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case. And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west.
Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities.”
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.
Forecasts