Met Éireann Issues Ominous Weather Warning as Torrential Thundery Downpours Loom
In a dramatic turn of events for the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann has issued a status yellow rain warning for all 26 counties ahead of what promises to be a turbulent night. The warning, which was released shortly after 2pm on Saturday afternoon, signals that heavy and thundery rain will sweep across the country from Sunday night, bringing with it the potential for intense downpours and localised flooding.
The weather warning will come into effect at 10pm on Sunday and remain in place until 8am on Monday morning. As a band of heavy rain advances eastwards, Met Éireann anticipates thundery showers to intensify, with the possibility of hail and poor visibility. The stormy weather is expected to disrupt travel and could lead to localized flooding in areas that experience the most intense downpours.
The warning contrasts sharply with the pleasant conditions that will precede it. Saturday is forecast to be mostly dry, with good spells of sunshine and temperatures reaching as high as 25 degrees in some places. However, this calm will give way to more unsettled weather as the weekend progresses.
Here’s what you can expect over the coming days:
Saturday
Today will start off largely dry with lingering rain or drizzle in the southeast clearing early, giving way to good spells of sunshine and isolated showers, primarily affecting Ulster and Connacht. Temperatures will range from 17 or 18 degrees in the northwest to 22 or 23 degrees in the south and east. Light to moderate westerly winds will freshen at times in the northwest but ease later in the day.
Tonight, conditions will remain mostly dry with increasing cloud cover in southern and Atlantic regions. Patchy drizzle may develop near the south coast later. Temperatures will drop to between 8 and 13 degrees, with milder conditions closer to the south. Winds will be light and variable, becoming southeasterly by morning.
Sunday
The morning will start dry for most, with a mix of cloud and hazy sunshine, though isolated patches of light rain or drizzle may occur, particularly over the western half of the country. In the evening, heavy and thundery showers will start moving in from the south, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 24 degrees, reaching 25 degrees in some areas. Winds will be moderate to fresh from the south or southeast.
As the night progresses, expect widespread heavy and thundery showers, merging into longer spells of rain. Hail and localised flooding are possible, and temperatures will remain humid, ranging from 12 to 17 degrees. Winds will shift from moderate and occasionally fresh southerly to westerly.
Monday
The eastern half of the country will be wet initially, with showers and thunderstorms continuing and the possibility of hail and flooding. These will clear into the Irish Sea by morning, leaving behind largely dry and sunny conditions, particularly in the west. Temperatures will range from 18 to 22 degrees with light to moderate westerly winds, becoming southwesterly later and freshening along Atlantic coasts.
Tuesday
Expect plenty of cloud to start with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle, gradually becoming patchier with sunny spells breaking through in the afternoon. The day will turn drier with temperatures reaching 17 to 21 degrees. Winds will be moderate to fresh and gusty from the south, veering westerly and easing later.
Further Outlook
The weather in the days to come will be marked by further spells of rain or showers interspersed with dry intervals, with temperatures generally in the mid to high teens.
Stay tuned to Met Éireann for the latest updates and take precautions if you’re in an area expected to be hit hardest by the impending downpours.
