Previously, the country was under a Status Yellow snow and ice warning until 12 PM today, with a Yellow low-temperature warning in place until midnight. However, the Yellow alert has now been elevated to Status Orange for 22 counties and extended to 25 counties starting from 6 PM on Wednesday.

Affected Counties and Timings

The Orange warning, which includes Dublin, will be in effect from 6 PM on Wednesday until 11 AM on Thursday. The current alert impacts Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, Monaghan, and all counties in Munster and Connacht.

While Dublin, Wexford, Louth, Donegal, and Northern Ireland remain under Status Yellow today, Donegal and Northern Ireland will continue under Yellow warnings tomorrow as well.

Severe Weather Conditions

Met Éireann has warned of widespread severe frost, ice, and snow accumulation, posing risks such as:

• Hazardous travel conditions on roads and footpaths
• Potential travel delays and disruptions
• Animal welfare concerns

Dublin Weather Outlook

In Dublin, temperatures are expected to remain extremely low, with daytime highs of just 1 to 4°C and persistent frost and ice in shaded areas. Overnight, temperatures are set to plummet to between -5°C and -3°C, with a chance of freezing fog on Wednesday night.

Thursday will bring little relief, with freezing conditions persisting despite occasional sunshine. Wintry showers will primarily affect the north and west in the morning, becoming isolated later in the day.

National Forecast Highlights

• Thursday Night: Temperatures could drop to as low as -7°C in some areas. Cloud cover will increase from the southwest, bringing sleet and snow before transitioning to rain.
• Friday: Milder conditions are expected, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 5°C overnight and daytime highs reaching 6°C to 10°C.

Looking ahead, Met Éireann forecasts a slight improvement in conditions over the weekend, with fewer wintry showers and more settled weather patterns expected nationwide.

Authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution while traveling and to stay updated with the latest weather alerts.

Warning Times by County

• Mayo: 9 PM tonight to 3 AM tomorrow
• Clare & Galway: 9 PM tonight to 2 AM tomorrow
• Donegal, Leitrim & Sligo: 10 PM tonight to 3 AM tomorrow
• Wicklow: 1 AM to 6 AM tomorrow

Meanwhile, Status Orange wind warnings have been extended to other parts of the country, with Munster and Connacht expected to experience very strong gusts starting at 8 PM. Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan will see these conditions from 10 PM tonight. The Status Orange warnings remain in place until 10 AM tomorrow.

In Northern Ireland, an Amber wind warning is in effect from 1 AM to 9 PM tomorrow, with potentially damaging winds forecast. A Status Yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland begins at 3 PM today and lasts until 6 AM tomorrow, accompanied by a Status Yellow rain warning in several counties across Connacht and Ulster until 10 AM tomorrow.

Potential Storm Impacts

Met Éireann warns of the following impacts:

• Fallen trees and damaged power lines
• Disruption to travel and public transport
• Coastal wave overtopping
• Damage to temporary structures

Gerry Murphy, Senior Forecaster at Met Éireann, emphasized the dangers of the storm’s gusts, which are more destructive than mean wind speeds. He advised the public to avoid non-essential travel and stay updated on local warnings.

Liz Walsh, another Met Éireann forecaster, described the storm as “rare and very dangerous.” Speaking on RTÉ, she urged people to remain indoors and take measures to safeguard their homes and property.

Safety Advice for the Public

Keith Leonard, National Director for Fire and Emergency Management, appealed to the public to avoid travel in areas under Red warnings. He reminded Christmas partygoers to be mindful of forecasted conditions and recommended staying indoors during the storm’s peak.

Sean O’Neill from Transport Infrastructure Ireland advised against travel along major Atlantic routes and encouraged the public to “stay back, stay high, stay dry,” echoing the Irish Coast Guard’s guidance.

The ESB recommends using the PowerCheck App for updates on power outages, while the Road Safety Authority advises motorists to slow down, increase braking distances, and avoid flooded roads. Cyclists and pedestrians are urged to wear high-visibility clothing and exercise caution in poor weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

As the storm progresses, heavy rain is expected across the country, adding to travel difficulties. Met Éireann advises monitoring updates and taking proactive steps to remain safe during this severe weather event.

The warning covers Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal, effective from 1 PM to 9 PM on Thursday. A separate warning has been announced for County Kerry, active between 2 PM and 6 PM on Thursday.

The national forecaster predicts west to northwest winds could reach gusts of up to 110 km/h, urging residents to avoid unnecessary risks and take precautions during this period.

In Northern Ireland, a Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry, where disruptions may occur due to similar wind conditions. This warning remains valid from 3 PM Thursday to 3 AM Friday.

Weather Breakdown for the Coming Days

• Thursday:
  Heavy rain and squally winds will spread eastwards, clearing by the afternoon and followed by scattered showers. Winds will shift from southerly to west and northwesterly, becoming strong and gusty, with gale-force conditions near Atlantic and southern coasts. Temperatures will range from 8 to 13°C.Overnight, winds will ease, and showers will become isolated. Frost and icy patches are expected with lows of 0 to 5°C.
• Friday:
  Cloudy skies will dominate, with widespread rain and potential localized flooding. Sleet may occur on higher terrain. Temperatures will range from 6 to 13°C. Winds will intensify later, especially in the west and southwest, where stormy conditions are possible.Friday night will bring extremely windy or stormy conditions, with heavy rain and lows of 0 to 3°C.
• Saturday:
  Cold and windy conditions will prevail, with hail, sleet, and snow showers likely in higher regions. There’s also a chance of thunder in the north and northwest. Highs will be 4 to 8°C, but wind chill will make it feel much colder.
• Sunday and Monday:
  Breezy and cold conditions are forecast, with sharp to severe frost and freezing fog expected on Monday night. Lows may dip to -3 to 2°C.
• Tuesday:
  Fog is likely to linger, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 7°C.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution while traveling during these adverse conditions.

Snowfall Expected in Northern and Western Counties

Forecasts indicate that counties Cavan, Donegal, and Leitrim are most likely to witness snow accumulations and slippery conditions. Similarly, Northern Ireland’s counties including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry are under a yellow warning, with snow and ice possibly creating hazardous travel scenarios from Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning.

Throughout Monday, rain is expected to be widespread, transitioning into sleet or snow in the colder regions of Ulster and northern Connacht by evening. Daytime temperatures will vary, peaking at a chilly 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in Ulster, while other parts might experience milder weather, reaching up to 12 degrees Celsius.

Icy Nights and Wintry Days Ahead

The night will not only carry on the rain but also bring sleet and snow, especially in northern areas, where elevation may lead to significant snow build-up. Frost and ice will also make an appearance, particularly in northern Ulster, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -1 degree Celsius.

Tuesday promises more widespread sleet and snow, starting in the north and moving southward in the afternoon. Although brief sunny intervals may follow, wintry showers are expected to persist, especially in the north. The highest temperatures will struggle to rise above 6 degrees Celsius.

A Cold Week in Forecast

The weather outlook for the rest of the week remains frosty. Nighttime temperatures are predicted to fall below zero on Tuesday and Wednesday, potentially reaching -3 degrees Celsius. The frost may linger into Thursday morning, making for icy starts, and although some sunshine might break through, northern and western regions could see continued rain and snow showers.

Beginning on Sunday, Storm Ashley is expected to unleash strong and gusty southerly winds. Particularly hard-hit will be Galway and Mayo, where a status orange wind warning is in place from midday until 9 PM. Residents in these areas are warned of very strong winds that could coincide with high spring tides, elevating the risks of coastal flooding and significant wave activity.

Nationwide, the less severe but still concerning status yellow wind warning will also be active. This blanket warning, effective from 10 AM until midnight on Sunday, suggests widespread impacts. All counties should prepare for possible coastal flooding, with fallen trees and other debris creating hazardous driving and cycling conditions.

The severity of Storm Ashley is compounded by an ongoing weather advisory, in effect since Thursday. This advisory, spurred by exceptionally high supermoon spring tides, has already put the nation on alert for potential flooding. The overlap of the supermoon event with Storm Ashley’s arrival could exacerbate the conditions, leading to more severe coastal impacts than usual.

As Sunday approaches, authorities urge residents to secure any loose objects that could be displaced by the storm’s fierce winds, to stay clear of vulnerable coastal areas, and to adhere to safety advice from officials. Travel is expected to be particularly dangerous during the storm’s peak, with disruptions to power lines and other infrastructure likely.

Today started mostly dry but saw rain initiating in the west around noon, progressing eastward by evening. Particularly heavy showers in the southwest and south could lead to localized flooding, adding to the precarious weather conditions.

Temperatures will peak between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius during the day before plunging to a chilly 3 to 7 degrees overnight. The night promises continued rainfall and potential foggy patches, making travel risky.

However, a respite seems in sight with Monday forecasted to be predominantly dry, featuring bright, sunny spells and some scattered rain in the northwest. A mild temperature range of 11 to 15 degrees Celsius is expected, providing a brief break from the harsher conditions.

The weather this week will be a mixed bag, with a gradual shift towards milder conditions. Heavy rain will threaten again on Tuesday, particularly affecting southern counties and likely causing additional spot flooding, with temperatures hovering around 12 to 16 degrees.

The rainfall is set to extend into Wednesday morning but will clear from the southwest by afternoon, promising drier conditions as it moves east. Expect warmer temperatures ranging from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

As the week progresses, Thursday and Friday are forecast to mirror earlier conditions with intermittent sunny spells and showers, temperatures reaching between 14 to 16 degrees on Thursday and cooling slightly to 12 to 14 degrees on Friday.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Met Éireann anticipates a continuation of showers on Saturday and a heavier downpour by Sunday, ensuring the wet pattern persists.

The national weather service has cautioned that a significant band of heavy rain will move eastwards across the country during this period. This could result in localized flooding and challenging travel conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. Motorists and commuters are advised to exercise extreme caution, as road surfaces may become hazardous due to the intense rainfall.

Met Éireann has also indicated that next week’s weather will remain unsettled, with a mix of wet and dry spells throughout the week. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid to high teens during the day, while nights will be mild and humid, adding to the discomfort.

As the Status Yellow rain warning looms, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. This includes checking local weather updates, avoiding unnecessary travel, and ensuring that drainage systems around homes are clear to mitigate potential flooding risks.

The unsettled weather is a continuation of the variable conditions that have marked this summer, with frequent shifts between warm, sunny spells and cooler, wetter weather. While the rain may bring some relief to areas that have experienced dry conditions recently, it also poses a risk of flooding, particularly in areas already saturated from previous rains.

In summary, the Status Yellow rain warning highlights the importance of staying alert and prepared as Ireland faces another bout of inclement weather. With heavy rain and thunderstorms expected, safety should be a top priority for everyone across the country.

The national weather service has cautioned that the region will experience heavy rain along with strong and gusty southerly winds, particularly in exposed areas. These conditions could lead to localized flooding, damage to temporary structures, challenging traveling conditions, and poor visibility.

Nationally, the day will begin with cloudy skies and scattered rain and drizzle. While the west and north will bear the brunt of the heavy rain, with potential thundery bursts, other areas should remain mostly dry, experiencing only light patchy rain. Temperatures are expected to reach between 14 to 16 degrees Celsius.

Heavy Rain Warning: Safety and Travel Advisory

As the heavy rain warning comes into effect, residents and travelers in the affected counties are advised to take necessary precautions. The adverse weather conditions can significantly impact travel plans, so it is crucial to stay updated with the latest weather reports and heed any advisories issued by local authorities.

Tonight, the western regions will continue to experience rain, although it will be patchy elsewhere. The persistent rain will intensify on Bank Holiday Monday, moving eastwards throughout the day. The rain will gradually clear from the west in the afternoon, with temperatures rising to a warm 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Met Éireann urges everyone in the affected areas to be vigilant and prepared for possible disruptions. Make sure to secure any loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rain periods to ensure safety.

Stay tuned to LocalEurope.News for further updates and detailed weather forecasts to help you navigate through this wet and windy period.

The weather forecast predicts persistent and heavy rainfall, with potential impacts such as localised flooding, difficult travel conditions, and poor visibility. Met Éireann has advised residents in the affected areas to take precautions and stay updated on weather developments.

Potential Impacts of Heavy Rain Warning in Ireland

The expected heavy rain could lead to significant disruptions. Localised flooding is a major concern, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage systems. Motorists are urged to exercise caution due to difficult travel conditions and poor visibility.

Monday will see a mix of cloudy periods and sunny spells, with isolated showers in the north and west. However, rain and drizzle are expected to build up in Munster and south Leinster later in the day. Temperatures will range between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius with light winds.

Tuesday’s weather will be mostly cloudy with continuous rain and drizzle, especially in the southeast, east, and northeast, raising the possibility of spot flooding. The southwest and west will likely experience drier conditions with sunny spells developing later in the day. Temperatures will be between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, warmest in the west, with moderate to occasionally fresh northeasterly winds.

The outlook for the week suggests that low pressure will dominate initially, bringing more rain and showers. However, conditions are expected to become drier and more settled later in the week.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through Met Éireann’s updates and plan their activities accordingly to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather.

Stay safe and stay prepared.

For more information, visit Met Éireann.