Ireland Braces for Wind and Rain as Weekend Weather Looms Uncertain
“Irish weather is entering a period of heightened volatility,” warns Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather, as forecasters continue to monitor a complex and evolving weather system expected to affect the country over the coming days.
While there is still no consensus among major weather models—including the typically reliable ECMWF—experts agree that the end of this week will be both wet and windy, particularly across western regions.
Severe Storm Possible: What the Models Say
According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), one of the worst-case scenarios currently on the table includes wind gusts nearing 200 km/h in western counties on Friday. While this is not yet a certainty, it's a situation that forecasters are watching closely.
This same model coincides with Met Éireann’s forecast of:
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Heavy rainfall
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Strong to gale-force southerly winds
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A wet and breezy Thursday and Friday
Daily Forecast Highlights:
Tuesday
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Cloudy with scattered rain and drizzle.
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Persistent rain developing in the evening.
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Highs: 14–18°C
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Breezy in the west.
Wednesday
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Mostly dry with scattered rain in the west and north.
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Bright spells possible in the east.
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Highs: 15–19°C
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Mild overnight temperatures.
Thursday
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Persistent, heavy rain — especially in the southwest and west.
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Winds: Fresh southerly.
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Up to 100mm of rain possible.
Friday
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Forecast to be the wettest and windiest day of the week.
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Widespread heavy rain and strong gusty winds.
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Temperatures: 16–18°C
Weekend Outlook: Slight Improvement, But Still Breezy
Despite the washout on Thursday and Friday, some relief may come over the weekend, with cooler and generally drier conditions expected. However, showers will still be likely, particularly in the north and west.
Met Éireann says we can expect:
"Rain becoming more widespread with breezy or windy conditions developing... rather unsettled as we move through the week."
🌪️ Will This Become a Named Storm?
Interestingly, Ireland has not yet had a named storm this season, which officially began on September 1. If this storm system meets the criteria for naming, it will be called Storm Amy.
However, O'Reilly cautions that:
“Some models show the worst of the weather bypassing Ireland. Expect weather apps to change frequently over the coming days.”
What You Should Do
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Stay updated with Met Éireann and trusted forecasters.
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Prepare for strong winds and potential flooding, especially if you live in the west or southwest.
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Avoid travel on Friday if conditions worsen.