Heavy Rainfall Thursday & Friday February 5th & 6th
Updated 05 February 2026
Today and tomorrow, a spell of rain will affect the country, heaviest in the southeast and east. It will be blustery also with strong easterly winds and gales on eastern coasts.
This comes after a week of persistent rain, with many rivers at or above bank-full conditions and saturated or waterlogged soils nationwide. As a result, the rainfall expected today and tomorrow will likely trigger further flooding.
In addition, high spring tides combined with strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave over-topping and coastal flooding today, while also restricting river discharge.
Yellow rain warnings are in effect today and tomorrow for counties in the east, south and parts of the midlands with orange rain warnings in effect today and tomorrow for Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin and Louth.
The persistent weather pattern, with a southerly shifted jet stream continuing to generate low pressure to the south and southwest of Ireland, continues through the forecast outlook period. As a result, rainfall amounts will remain above average in the south and east of the country while western and northwestern parts of the country are expected to see generally average or below average rainfall accumulations.
Figure 1: Mean sea level pressure and Jet Stream valid at 1200 Thursday 5th February
Ground Situation
The last few weeks have been characterised by frequent rainfall and localised extremes. The image below depicts the rainfall amounts countrywide over the past fourteen days with the largest deviations from the average in the south and east.
Figure 2: Accumulated rainfall and rainfall as a percentage of average over the past fourteen days
Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. This rainfall, combined with saturated soils, has caused significant rises in river levels and surface water accumulation, particularly across southeastern and eastern areas.
Predicted Rainfall
Rainfall warnings are in effect today and for much of tomorrow for southern, eastern and some northeastern areas. Status orange rainfall warnings are in place for Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin and Louth, while status yellow rainfall warnings are in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary, Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.
Figure 3: Warnings as of 1200 Thursday 5th February
After last week’s heavy rainfall, many rivers remain close to or above bank-full, with saturated ground conditions leaving catchments highly sensitive to any additional rainfall. While most rivers have now peaked or stabilised—and some have begun to recede—river levels remain high.
Outbreaks of heavy rain will spread from the southeast through today, tonight and tomorrow, with the highest totals expected across southern and eastern regions under Orange and Yellow Status rainfall warnings. Given current river and ground conditions, even moderate rainfall could trigger further localised flooding, particularly in rivers downstream of the Wicklow Mountains, Comeragh Mountains and Cooley Peninsula.
High Spring Tides
In addition, high spring tides combined with strong onshore winds and storm surge, will increase the risk of wave over-topping and coastal flooding in exposed areas on Thursday. Elevated coastal water levels will also restrict river discharge, heightening flood risk in low-lying coastal and estuarine areas, especially around times of high tide.
Outlook
After the wet conditions on Thursday and Friday, there will be some respite over the weekend. While there will be showers, there will be longer dry periods. This will allow some recovery in the river network.
Public Safety Advice
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts – conditions may change quickly. Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and bulletins.
Check local authority websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
Allow for disruption when travelling. Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
Do not bypass Road Closed signs – the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk.
Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
Check with Transport Operators when planning journeys
Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.
Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.
Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
Up to date information on the response to Storm Chandra is available at gov.ie/stormresponse
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 to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.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 their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
Up to date information on the emergency response is available at www.gov.ie/FloodResponse.
Heavy Rainfall Thursday & Friday February 5th & 6th
Updated 05 February 2026
Today and tomorrow, a spell of rain will affect the country, heaviest in the southeast and east. It will be blustery also with strong easterly winds and gales on eastern coasts.
This comes after a week of persistent rain, with many rivers at or above bank-full conditions and saturated or waterlogged soils nationwide. As a result, the rainfall expected today and tomorrow will likely trigger further flooding.
In addition, high spring tides combined with strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave over-topping and coastal flooding today, while also restricting river discharge.
Yellow rain warnings are in effect today and tomorrow for counties in the east, south and parts of the midlands with orange rain warnings in effect today and tomorrow for Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin and Louth.
Check Warnings & Advisories on met.ie for all the warning details.
Overview
The persistent weather pattern, with a southerly shifted jet stream continuing to generate low pressure to the south and southwest of Ireland, continues through the forecast outlook period. As a result, rainfall amounts will remain above average in the south and east of the country while western and northwestern parts of the country are expected to see generally average or below average rainfall accumulations.
Figure 1: Mean sea level pressure and Jet Stream valid at 1200 Thursday 5th February
Ground Situation
The last few weeks have been characterised by frequent rainfall and localised extremes. The image below depicts the rainfall amounts countrywide over the past fourteen days with the largest deviations from the average in the south and east.
Figure 2: Accumulated rainfall and rainfall as a percentage of average over the past fourteen days
Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. This rainfall, combined with saturated soils, has caused significant rises in river levels and surface water accumulation, particularly across southeastern and eastern areas.
Predicted Rainfall
Rainfall warnings are in effect today and for much of tomorrow for southern, eastern and some northeastern areas. Status orange rainfall warnings are in place for Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin and Louth, while status yellow rainfall warnings are in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary, Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.
Figure 3: Warnings as of 1200 Thursday 5th February
After last week’s heavy rainfall, many rivers remain close to or above bank-full, with saturated ground conditions leaving catchments highly sensitive to any additional rainfall. While most rivers have now peaked or stabilised—and some have begun to recede—river levels remain high.
Outbreaks of heavy rain will spread from the southeast through today, tonight and tomorrow, with the highest totals expected across southern and eastern regions under Orange and Yellow Status rainfall warnings. Given current river and ground conditions, even moderate rainfall could trigger further localised flooding, particularly in rivers downstream of the Wicklow Mountains, Comeragh Mountains and Cooley Peninsula.
High Spring Tides
In addition, high spring tides combined with strong onshore winds and storm surge, will increase the risk of wave over-topping and coastal flooding in exposed areas on Thursday. Elevated coastal water levels will also restrict river discharge, heightening flood risk in low-lying coastal and estuarine areas, especially around times of high tide.
Outlook
After the wet conditions on Thursday and Friday, there will be some respite over the weekend. While there will be showers, there will be longer dry periods. This will allow some recovery in the river network.
Public Safety Advice
Up to date information on the emergency response is available at www.gov.ie/FloodResponse.
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