Heavy Rainfall Thursday & Friday February 5th & 6th
4 February 2026
Overview
The persistent weather pattern, with a southerly shifted jet stream continuing to generate low pressure to the south and southwest of Ireland, maintains through the forecast outlook period. The south and east of the country, therefore, looks set to continue to be affected by above average rainfall amounts 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 1500 4th 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: Rainfall: 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 have been issued for Thursday 5th and Friday 6th of February for southeastern, eastern and some northeastern areas. Status orange rainfall warnings have been issued for Waterford and Wicklow, while status yellow rainfall warnings have been issued for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Monaghan and Tipperary.
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—further rainfall on yesterday and overnight along the south and east coasts has caused slight rises in river levels in these areas.
Today, Wednesday 4th February, is expected to be generally dry, providing a brief respite and allowing some river levels to stabilise. However, heavy rainfall is forecast to move northwards from the south tonight and continue into 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 fast-responding catchments and downstream of the Wicklow Mountains – including in counties in the Southeast, Kildare and Dublin.
High Spring Tides
In addition, high spring tides over the coming days, combined with strong onshore winds and storm surge, will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding in exposed areas. 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.
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
4 February 2026
Overview
The persistent weather pattern, with a southerly shifted jet stream continuing to generate low pressure to the south and southwest of Ireland, maintains through the forecast outlook period. The south and east of the country, therefore, looks set to continue to be affected by above average rainfall amounts 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 1500 4th 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: Rainfall: 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 have been issued for Thursday 5th and Friday 6th of February for southeastern, eastern and some northeastern areas. Status orange rainfall warnings have been issued for Waterford and Wicklow, while status yellow rainfall warnings have been issued for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Monaghan and Tipperary.
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—further rainfall on yesterday and overnight along the south and east coasts has caused slight rises in river levels in these areas.
Today, Wednesday 4th February, is expected to be generally dry, providing a brief respite and allowing some river levels to stabilise. However, heavy rainfall is forecast to move northwards from the south tonight and continue into 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 fast-responding catchments and downstream of the Wicklow Mountains – including in counties in the Southeast, Kildare and Dublin.
High Spring Tides
In addition, high spring tides over the coming days, combined with strong onshore winds and storm surge, will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding in exposed areas. 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.
Public Safety Advice
Up to date information on the emergency response is available at www.gov.ie/FloodResponse.
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