Ireland weather: 'Very complex and messy system' could bring some 'strong gusts' over windy weekend

Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather has shared that a potential storm this weekend could bring some very strong gusts across the country

A “very complex and messy system” headed for Ireland could bring some “very strong gusts” as the country braces for a windy weekend.

Met Éireann has forecast unsettled conditions to continue into the weekend with some further wet and windy weather on the way, including a band of heavy rain moving across the country on Friday, although there will be some respite with a few sunny spells over the coming days.

The national forecaster also warned very high spring tides could bring a risk of coastal flooding, even in the absence of heavy rain and strong winds.

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A Status Yellow-Gale warning from Mizen Head to Erris Head to Fair Head has also been issued by Met Éireann for Friday, with the forecaster warning southerly winds will reach gale force eight at times from 4am to 4pm.

This nasty weather could be followed by a storm on Sunday, with Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather sharing weather models with followers showing a “very complex and messy system” hurtling for the country, although there is still some uncertainty around its path.

O'Reilly said in an update: “Pretty decent day ahead for many Thursday with good sunny spells, but there will be showers, some of them will be heavy. And then a band of heavy rain will move across the country on Friday, very windy on Friday as well.

“It will move quite quickly across the country, so it will vary a little bit. Rainfall totals over the next five days will be highest in the west.

“Some high totals also in parts of Europe, especially in France with Orange Weather Warnings in place for parts of southern France, some high totals there as well. There is also some heavy rain in parts of Italy and north Spain.

“So the wind is going to be probably the biggest issue, so we have very windy weather Friday but Saturday night into Sunday, this potential storm, the weather models are showing a very complex and messy system with two low centres really bringing some very strong gusts across the country.

“There are a number of options on different weather models, not certain yet where they will hit. Very high seas associated with that as well, but where exactly those high seas is still a bit uncertain as well.

“We do have very high tides at the moment, spring tides, nothing to do with the season, it has to do with how strong the pull is between the sun and the moon, and unfortunately high tides could lead to coastal flooding if we get that storm into the west.

“So a little bit uncertain yet, if the storm is named, a big if, at the moment, it would be our first storm, Ashley.”

Meanwhile, here is Met Éireann's forecast for the coming days:

Thursday

There will be a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers today, some heavy. The showers will become isolated by the late afternoon, leaving a dry and bright evening. Very high spring tides will bring a possibility of coastal flooding. Highest temperatures 13C to 16C in light to moderate southerly winds, veering westerly.

A dry and largely clear start to the night but cloud will build from the west overnight with outbreaks of rain pushing into the west and south. Becoming breezy with southerly winds increasing moderate to fresh. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 10C.

Friday

Wet and blustery on Friday with outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards across the country, turning heavy or thundery in places. Fresh to strong southerly winds will accompany the rain and, with very high spring tides continuing, there will be a risk of coastal flooding. A clearance to bright spells and isolated showers will move into the western half of the country during the evening. Highest temperatures of 14C to 16C.

Any remaining rain will clear the east early in the night, with clear spells and isolated light showers following from the west. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 10C in light to moderate southwesterly winds.

Saturday

Mainly dry and bright with sunny spells and well scattered showers. However, cloud will thicken from the southwest later in the afternoon and evening with some rain developing there later in the evening. Highest temperatures of 11C to 14C in light to moderate southwest to south winds.

Becoming wet and windy on Saturday night with strong and gusty southerly winds and widespread rain, heavy at times. Lowest temperatures of 8C to 11C.

Sunday

While there is some uncertainty in the forecast for Sunday, current indications suggest it will be a windy day with very strong and gusty southwesterly winds and potential for coastal flooding. Rain will clear early in the day with a brief drier spell before showers or longer spells of rain follow for most. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C.

Rain will clear northeastwards overnight with further showers and clear spells developing. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 10C. Fresh to strong southwest winds will ease light to moderate overnight.

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