Change in Weather Pattern Expected After Prolonged Dry Spell; Marine Warning Issued
Dublin: Ireland is set for a significant change in weather conditions this weekend, as the recent spell of dry, settled weather is forecast to break with the arrival of heavy rain and more unsettled conditions.
Met Éireann, the Irish Meteorological Service, has indicated that the first heavy showers are expected to impact the Southwest, particularly the coasts of County Kerry and West Cork, early on Saturday morning. These initial downpours will herald a much wetter and cooler period that may last throughout next week.
While the national forecast for today, Thursday, October 16th, and tomorrow, Friday, October 17th, remains mostly cloudy and mainly dry with only isolated patches of mist and drizzle, the shift is due to a series of low-pressure systems moving across the country.
Key Alerts:
- Rainfall: Heavy rain is expected to spread across the country on Saturday, with further rainfall likely on Sunday, especially in eastern counties. Rain warnings are possible for the weekend.
- Marine Warning: Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Small Craft Warning for coastal waters from Mizen Head to Valentia and up to Loop Head, due to southeasterly winds strengthening to Force 6 on Friday.
- Temperatures: It will also become noticeably cooler, with daytime temperatures falling to single figures by late next week, increasing the risk of overnight frost, particularly in the north and west.
The public is advised to prepare for difficult driving conditions and to monitor Met Éireann for the issuance of any official rain or wind warnings.
