Issued on 7th December 2025, valid until further notice
A deepening Atlantic low-pressure system will impact Ireland on the night of Monday 8th December and during Tuesday 9th.
Met Éireann is closely monitoring a developing Atlantic system with the potential to bring very strong winds, high coastal water levels, and periods of heavy rainfall to Ireland from late Monday night (8th December) through Tuesday (9th December).
After a week of persistent rain, soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding on Tuesday and possibly during following days.
Meteorologist Matthew Martin, says:
“It’s looking increasing likely that Ireland will experience some very inclement weather from Monday night and through Tuesday. A low-pressure system in the Atlantic is going to deepen fairly rapidly as it approaches the country on Monday night. Initially there will be a spell of heavy rain before a swathe of very strong winds develop. There remains a good deal of uncertainty in the track and intensity of the system, but it has the potential to be an impactful event. Given its evolving nature, we have issued a yellow wind warning for the entire country which will be updated when certainty increases, as well as yellow rainfall warnings for certain areas, and we encourage everyone to check in regularly with Met Éireann’s forecasts and warnings.
Flooding impacts are expected as the rain will fall on already saturated ground and many rivers are currently approaching bank full conditions. We are in a period of high astronomical tides, which will coincide with the strong, potentially onshore winds, so coastal flooding is likely. We echo the well-known advice of the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
The high tides will prevent the rivers from discharging to the sea, significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas. People should refer to the guidance of their local authorities and emergency responders in their area.”
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
A deepening Atlantic depression is forecast to track close to Ireland on Monday night and Tuesday.
Southerly winds ahead of the system will strengthen on Monday night, with periods of severe wind gusts possible, especially near exposed Atlantic coasts. The strong winds will continue through Tuesday, veering southwest to west in direction during the day. Heavy rainfall late Monday into Tuesday morning will fall over ground that is already water-logged, increasing runoff and river response times.
The system hasn’t developed yet (as of Sunday afternoon). Confidence remains moderate regarding the exact track and intensity of the system; small shifts will influence the severity of impacts. A slight shift in the system’s path could influence peak wind gusts, timing of strongest winds, and the extent of coastal impacts. Met Éireann will continue to monitor the system closely and update warnings as required.
Fig. 1: A current model prediction of the position of the low-pressure system at midday on Tuesday (9 December) and the forecast mean wind speed in knots
WARNINGS AND IMPACTS:
The intensity of the winds and their impacts will depend on the interaction of the low with the jet stream, but as a mean for awareness of the potential impacts, Met Éireann has issued the following warnings (on 7th December at time of publication):
A Status Yellow rain warning across southern counties, with heavy rain expected to fall on already saturated ground and with many rivers in southern regions approaching bank full conditions after a week of steady rain.
Expected impacts, throughout Tuesday (even if the rain warning will expire on Tuesday morning) are:
• Surface and river flooding, through the whole day Tuesday, even if the rain warning will expire on Tuesday morning, as the rivers may take time to respond. Coinciding high tides will prevent river water from discharging to the sea, causing water to back up and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas, especially across rivers in Cork, south Kerry, south Tipperary and Waterford.
• Difficult travel conditions
• Potential disruption to outdoor events.
A Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland all day Tuesday, due to very strong and gusty southerly winds expected, and the possibility of gales near coastal areas.
Expected impacts include:
• Difficult travel conditions: Surface water, reduced visibility, and strong winds may make driving hazardous and could lead to delays on roads, rail, and ferry services. Allow extra time and take caution on exposed routes.
• Flooding in low-lying coastal areas: The combination of the southerly, onshore winds with very high astronomical tides and wave action will heighten the risk of coastal flooding. Surge levels will rise to 0.8m in some locations and significant waves are forecast. Coastal flooding is likely, particularly during high tide times and in exposed low-lying areas. High tide on western and southern coasts is early Tuesday morning (7-9am), whilst time of high tide is close to 2pm on eastern coasts. “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
• Wave overtopping: Large waves may breach sea walls or coastal barriers, posing risks to people near shorelines and potentially impacting coastal infrastructure in exposed locations.
• Debris and loose objects displaced: Strong winds could lift unsecured items, increasing the risk of minor damage or hazards on roads and in public spaces.
• Outdoor events impacted: Weather conditions may lead to delays, cancellations, or the need for additional safety measures for outdoor activities.
The warnings may be updated as new model runs are analysed and certainty increases. For all warnings details, please check Warnings & Advisories – Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN SEVERE WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
Stay informed & plan ahead:
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 on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
- Allow for disruption during Tuesday morning commute.
- Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
- Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility on Tuesday morning.
- Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
Be aware of elevated flood risk and high winds:
- Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
- Take care on exposed roads and bridges.
- Watch for fallen branches and debris.
- Allow extra time for your trip and if you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
- Secure loose outdoor items ahead of strengthening winds.
- 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.
- Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.
- Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
- Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas – turn back and use another route.
- 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.
- Coastal areas may experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations.
- Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
- Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
- “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.
Strong winds and heavy rain will affect Ireland on the night of Monday 8th December and during Tuesday 9th December
Issued on 7th December 2025, valid until further notice
A deepening Atlantic low-pressure system will impact Ireland on the night of Monday 8th December and during Tuesday 9th.
Met Éireann is closely monitoring a developing Atlantic system with the potential to bring very strong winds, high coastal water levels, and periods of heavy rainfall to Ireland from late Monday night (8th December) through Tuesday (9th December).
After a week of persistent rain, soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding on Tuesday and possibly during following days.
Meteorologist Matthew Martin, says:
“It’s looking increasing likely that Ireland will experience some very inclement weather from Monday night and through Tuesday. A low-pressure system in the Atlantic is going to deepen fairly rapidly as it approaches the country on Monday night. Initially there will be a spell of heavy rain before a swathe of very strong winds develop. There remains a good deal of uncertainty in the track and intensity of the system, but it has the potential to be an impactful event. Given its evolving nature, we have issued a yellow wind warning for the entire country which will be updated when certainty increases, as well as yellow rainfall warnings for certain areas, and we encourage everyone to check in regularly with Met Éireann’s forecasts and warnings.
Flooding impacts are expected as the rain will fall on already saturated ground and many rivers are currently approaching bank full conditions. We are in a period of high astronomical tides, which will coincide with the strong, potentially onshore winds, so coastal flooding is likely. We echo the well-known advice of the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
The high tides will prevent the rivers from discharging to the sea, significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas. People should refer to the guidance of their local authorities and emergency responders in their area.”
METEOROLOGICAL SITUATION
A deepening Atlantic depression is forecast to track close to Ireland on Monday night and Tuesday.
Southerly winds ahead of the system will strengthen on Monday night, with periods of severe wind gusts possible, especially near exposed Atlantic coasts. The strong winds will continue through Tuesday, veering southwest to west in direction during the day. Heavy rainfall late Monday into Tuesday morning will fall over ground that is already water-logged, increasing runoff and river response times.
The system hasn’t developed yet (as of Sunday afternoon). Confidence remains moderate regarding the exact track and intensity of the system; small shifts will influence the severity of impacts. A slight shift in the system’s path could influence peak wind gusts, timing of strongest winds, and the extent of coastal impacts. Met Éireann will continue to monitor the system closely and update warnings as required.
Fig. 1: A current model prediction of the position of the low-pressure system at midday on Tuesday (9 December) and the forecast mean wind speed in knots
WARNINGS AND IMPACTS:
The intensity of the winds and their impacts will depend on the interaction of the low with the jet stream, but as a mean for awareness of the potential impacts, Met Éireann has issued the following warnings (on 7th December at time of publication):
A Status Yellow rain warning across southern counties, with heavy rain expected to fall on already saturated ground and with many rivers in southern regions approaching bank full conditions after a week of steady rain.
Expected impacts, throughout Tuesday (even if the rain warning will expire on Tuesday morning) are:
• Surface and river flooding, through the whole day Tuesday, even if the rain warning will expire on Tuesday morning, as the rivers may take time to respond. Coinciding high tides will prevent river water from discharging to the sea, causing water to back up and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas, especially across rivers in Cork, south Kerry, south Tipperary and Waterford.
• Difficult travel conditions
• Potential disruption to outdoor events.
A Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland all day Tuesday, due to very strong and gusty southerly winds expected, and the possibility of gales near coastal areas.
Expected impacts include:
• Difficult travel conditions: Surface water, reduced visibility, and strong winds may make driving hazardous and could lead to delays on roads, rail, and ferry services. Allow extra time and take caution on exposed routes.
• Flooding in low-lying coastal areas: The combination of the southerly, onshore winds with very high astronomical tides and wave action will heighten the risk of coastal flooding. Surge levels will rise to 0.8m in some locations and significant waves are forecast. Coastal flooding is likely, particularly during high tide times and in exposed low-lying areas. High tide on western and southern coasts is early Tuesday morning (7-9am), whilst time of high tide is close to 2pm on eastern coasts. “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
• Wave overtopping: Large waves may breach sea walls or coastal barriers, posing risks to people near shorelines and potentially impacting coastal infrastructure in exposed locations.
• Debris and loose objects displaced: Strong winds could lift unsecured items, increasing the risk of minor damage or hazards on roads and in public spaces.
• Outdoor events impacted: Weather conditions may lead to delays, cancellations, or the need for additional safety measures for outdoor activities.
The warnings may be updated as new model runs are analysed and certainty increases. For all warnings details, please check Warnings & Advisories – Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN SEVERE WEATHER – BE WINTER READY
Stay informed & plan ahead:
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).
Be aware of elevated flood risk and high winds:
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.
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