Your daily forecasts from Boards.ie weather forum (NO CHAT)

Thursday, 2 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


ALERT for strong winds later today and tonight, especially in these two regions -- (a) southeast and east coast, valid noon to midnight, southeast to south winds will increase to 70-110 km/hr, and (b) west coast, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, south to southwest winds will increase to 80-120 km/hr. Other regions could have brief intervals of gusty winds reaching 100 km/hr.

TODAY ... Showery bands of rain and increasing southeast winds, the first stage of the peak of wind gusts will sweep through the south coast and then into the east late afternoon and evening, with SE to S winds 70-110 km/hr possible there. The stronger winds will hold off until this evening on the west coast but it will be quite breezy all day in all regions (SE to S 50-80 km/hr). Rainfalls of 5-10 mm for most, local downpours of 10-20 mm embedded. Highs 9-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Very windy in west Munster, Connacht and west Ulster. Strong winds easing by midnight over the east coast but peaking in the west to about dawn Friday with S to SW 80-120 km/hr possible. Further showers may become rather squally in places, lows 4-7 C.

FRIDAY ... Some bright intervals, rather cold, locally heavy showers developing, and risk of an interval of heavy rain brushing southeast late in the day. Not as windy, but still rather breezy at times (south to southwest 40-70 km/hr). About 5-15 mm of rain may fall late in the day in the southeast. Highs 7-9 C.

SATURDAY ... Frost in some parts and mixed wintry showers or an early morning mix of rain and wet snow moving through parts of Leinster into east Ulster. Quite cold with lows -2 to +3 C and highs 5 to 8 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, brief wintry showers possible, lows -3 to +2 C and highs about 6 or 7 C.

MONDAY ... Increasing southeast winds to 60-100 km/hr by late in the day, rain developing, milder, highs near 10 C.

OUTLOOK ... A bit colder each day from Tuesday to Friday 10th, increasing risk of showers turning wintry in this period, possibly on higher ground by Thursday and at lower elevations by weekend, and there remains some chance of a brief but significant cold spell for Leinster and east Ulster by weekend of 11th-12th. Winds during this period will become westerly at first, then variable to southeast later in the period. Typical highs will be near 6 C east and 9 C west mid-week, and 2-5 C by weekend in east, staying around 6 to 8 C on west coast. This colder spell which could be quite sharp in Britain (temperatures to -8 C in parts) seems likely to evolve back into a near normal regime with further episodes of wind and rain.

During this period, severe cold will develop in the Baltic regions and parts of eastern and central Europe. There could be temperatures below -20 C in some parts of those countries. This may lead to intense snow bands over the North Sea at times, chances of this also happening over the Irish Sea are probably less certain but the potential will be interesting (around Sunday 12th by the looks of current model charts).

Meanwhile, my local weather remains clear and cold, the temperatures started well below freezing this morning (Wednesday) and reached 4 C at mid-day, back down to about -5 C already before midnight here.

Saturday, 4 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Frost and ice in some west-central inland areas slowly easing, and mixed wintry showers, with the slight risk of thunder, rather widespread in Munster, later moving into Connacht and parts of Leinster. Morning sunshine in much of the east and north as early sleet moves off towards the northeast. Quite cold all day with highs 5 to 8 C. In higher parts of the southwest and later south, southeast, some of the wintry showers could drop 2-4 cm snow on higher terrain, mainly above 250m, be aware if hiking or driving through hilly areas. (good chance of seeing a rainbow if you're in the right place)

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, frosty. A few wintry showers may persist though. Lows will drop to -3 inland and zero to +2 around coasts and urban areas.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, brief wintry showers possible, lows -3 to +2 C and highs about 6 or 7 C.

MONDAY ... Increasing southeast winds to 60-100 km/hr by late in the day, rain developing with fog over high ground, 10-20 mm potential, milder, highs near 10 C.

TUESDAY ... Breezy and colder with passing showers, some becoming mixed or wintry, moderate southwest to west winds, lows 2-4 C and highs 5-7 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, wintry showers but trending more to rain late in the day, somewhat milder by then. Lows -2 to +2 C, highs 7-9 C.

THURSDAY ... Rain ending, possibly mixing with sleet in higher areas near east coast, but generally clearing by afternoon, cold. Lows 1-3 C and highs 3-7 C.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY could be very cold if current guidance holds up; sunshine at times through variable amounts of higher cloud, and isolated mixed wintry showers in streamers from the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea moving inland near south and east coasts. At this distance, we won't speculate much about intensity, from current maps I would say probably rather light and not widespread, but you could see a bit of snow from this in Wicklow and Dublin, perhaps Wexford and Waterford. On both days, morning lows -5 to -2 C and afternoon highs 3 to 7 C. Moderate east winds that may converge at times (from southeast near Wexford, from northeast near Meath and east Ulster).

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for a settled and mainly dry spell to persist other than isolated wintry showers, then later (after mid-month) back to a milder and occasionally wet and windy pattern.

This developing cold spell is already in evidence over Russia and the east Baltic regions and will spread west gradually all week, with some readings below -20 C possible into Germany and Sweden, and -12 C in Holland/Belgium/n.e. France moderating slightly over the North Sea to around -7 C in east-central England. Details keep changing slightly, these early projections must be treated as approximations.

Meanwhile, my local weather was gnarly to say the least with 12 cms of snow on the ground, some sleet mixing in, temperatures slowly rising all day and just around zero C now. We're expecting sleet at times on Saturday and more snow on Sunday. A very strong storm system will form when this disturbance moves across the Rockies on Monday. That storm will bring 120 km/hr wind gusts to the Great Lakes region, and a fast change from mild/rainy to very cold and lake effect snow. The effects of this storm on the east coast cities of the U.S. will be mainly to create a mild three day period followed by strong winds and the slight risk of snow towards the end of the week.

Sunday, 5 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for widespread icy roads (where untreated) in many rural and some suburban locations, with air temperatures as low as -5 C, but also high humidity, it is possible that severe black ice conditions will develop and persist until fairly late into the morning hours. Drive or walk with extreme caution.

SUNDAY ... Severe frost, ice and some fog will persist for several hours this morning, and brief wintry showers could move through parts of the west. Eventually some sunny breaks will develop, it will remain quite cold with highs at best 5-7 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals east and north, increasing cloud in south and west, rain by morning there. If it's clear around 10 p.m., look to the southwest and you may see the moon (just over half illuminated now) with the bright star Aldebaran almost behind the north pole of the moon. Observers further south in Europe will be able to see the star disappear behind the moon for a time (an occultation). So, later tonight temperatures will fall to about -2 C with a frost that may not persist until sunrise with the increasing cloud and breezes. Lows near the southwest coast will only fall to about 4 C.

MONDAY ... Increasing southeast winds to 60-100 km/hr by late in the day, rain developing with fog over high ground, 10-20 mm potential, milder, highs near 10 C. By afternoon, some clearing in Atlantic coastal counties, winds dropping off to moderate southwesterly.

TUESDAY ... Breezy and colder with passing showers, some becoming mixed or wintry, moderate southwest to west winds, lows -1 to +3 C (some frost likely) and highs 5-7 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, wintry showers but trending more to rain late in the day, somewhat milder by then. Lows -2 to +2 C, highs 7-9 C. Becoming rather windy late in the day (southeast to south 40-70 km/hr).

THURSDAY ... Rain ending in most places as the front is pushed back to the west, so that rain may persist near west Munster coasts, and there may be some mixed wintry showers with sleet or snow in higher areas near east coast, but generally clearing in many other parts by afternoon, cold. Lows 1-3 C and highs 3-7 C except near Atlantic coasts where lows 3-6 C and highs 7-10 C.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY could be very cold if current guidance holds up; sunshine at times through variable amounts of higher cloud, and isolated mixed wintry showers in streamers from the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea moving inland near south and east coasts. At this distance, we won't speculate much about intensity, from current maps I would say probably rather light and not widespread, but you could see a bit of snow from this in Wicklow and Dublin, perhaps Wexford and Waterford. On both days, morning lows -5 to -2 C and afternoon highs 3 to 7 C. Moderate east winds that may converge at times (from southeast near Wexford, from northeast near Meath and east Ulster). Make a note, a lunar eclipse may be visible if skies are clear on Friday night around midnight to 0100h Saturday. More details closer to the time. That is currently projected to be about the coldest part of this easterly episode, so if you can see the eclipse it will likely be below -3 C outside. If the weather pattern goes as projected, there could be an extensive lunar halo too (due to high cloud that will not totally obscure the moon).

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for a settled and mainly dry spell to persist other than isolated wintry showers, with temperatures rising steadily from Sunday to mid-week, then later (after mid-month) the pattern reverts to a milder and occasionally wet and windy Atlantic regime.

(these later forecasts from Friday 10th have not changed because the guidance looks similar after the passage of 24 hours; this does not mean that the outcome is "locked in" yet, could be even colder, could be not as cold, and chances of snow are hard to pin down, it does look as though some eastern streamer bands are possible).

My local weather on Saturday began with a bit more snow on top of the large fall that we had on Friday; then during the day there were mixed falls of rain and wet snow. There is about 15 cms of snow on the ground tonight and the temperature is now about zero to +1 C. More snow is expected to Monday, then a gradual thaw. See yesterday's forecast for further details about eastern North American weather to follow as this storm moves east.

Monday, 6 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Increasing southeast winds to 60-100 km/hr by mid-day, rain continuing to spread east, with 10-20 mm likely in most places, temperatures reaching 10 to 12 C. By afternoon, some partial clearing with a few more scattered showers in Atlantic coastal counties, winds dropping off to moderate southwesterly.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals developing, showers more wintry and isolated mainly to higher parts of the west, lows -2 to +3 C. Some roads rather icy by morning.

TUESDAY ... Breezy and colder with passing showers, some becoming mixed or wintry, moderate southwest to west winds, and highs 5-7 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, wintry showers but trending more to rain late in the day, somewhat milder by then. Lows -2 to +2 C, highs 7-9 C. Becoming rather windy late in the day (southeast to south 40-70 km/hr).

THURSDAY ... Rain ending in most places as the front is pushed back to the west, so that rain may persist near west Munster coasts, and there may be some mixed wintry showers with sleet or snow in higher areas near east coast, but generally clearing in many other parts by afternoon, cold. Lows 1-3 C and highs 3-7 C except near Atlantic coasts where lows 3-6 C and highs 7-10 C. Strong south to southeast winds will bring in milder air only in some parts of west Munster and coastal Connacht, otherwise, the trend will be towards colder readings as the first signs of the easterly cold spell appear in Leinster and Ulster.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY will probably turn quite cold with some limited sunshine and a few bands of wintry showers, with the risk of local snowfalls, in eastern and south coast counties. Brisk easterly winds will develop (about ENE for Leinster, possibly due east south coast). These will be in the 40-60 km/hr range at times adding quite a chill, daytime highs may be 4-7 C but it will feel closer to the overnight low values which may fall to -5 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for very gradual moderation of this cold, and if winds fall off a bit, some valleys may stay very cold as the earlier cold will become trapped by a developing temperature inversion. Coastal and hilly areas will likely warm slowly to around 7-9 C from about Sunday to Wednesday. This may be a fairly dry if cloudy period, some sunshine at times in the north, chance of sleety rain or mixed rain and snow over higher parts of the southwest. Eventually the pattern will revert to a more unsettled southwest to west Atlantic regime.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast and foggy with a bit more snow and sleet, this is expected to continue here for two more days, then a thaw will set in.

Wednesday, 8 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


Some Snow in the Forecast -- mostly weekend, and higher parts of southeast, east Ulster

TODAY ... Rather cloudy in most areas, some sunny breaks possible mid-day, winds picking up to southerly 50-70 km/hr, and feeling raw and cold in most areas as highs reach only 5-7 C east, closer to 8-9 C on Atlantic coasts and near 7-8 C around Cork and up through central counties towards west Ulster. Mostly dry but patchy light drizzle developing in west Munster at times.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with a few partly clear intervals, but occasional drizzle moving into parts of west Munster, cold, winds backing to southeast 40-60 km/hr, lows about 2 or 3 C.

THURSDAY ... Rather windy and cold, occasional light rain in west Munster but dry elsewhere. Winds backing to southeast 50-70 km/hr. Morning lows 2-4 C and afternoon readings near 5 C east to 7 or 8 C west. Mixed wintry showers may show up on east coast by evening.

FRIDAY ... Some sunny intervals especially further west, cold and breezy in all parts with mixed wintry showers developing in streamer bands moving west across Irish Sea and towards parts of the south coast. These will tend to be mostly snow inland above 150m, and sleety or hail closer to sea level. Morning lows -2 to +2 C and afternoon highs 4 to 7 C. Cold east winds 40-70 km/hr. Note that the full moon Friday night will go into a "deep penumbral eclipse" meaning that it just misses the full shadow of the earth but hits the outer portion (penumbra) which should dim the light of the full moon considerably, from about 11:45 p.m. to about 1:15 a.m. Saturday, peak eclipse around 0035h Saturday.

SATURDAY ... Bright and cold in most areas, further wintry showers likely in east Ulster, Leinster and parts of east Munster, some snow accumulating on slopes, mixed falls of hail, sleet, rain and snow near sea level. Morning lows central and western counties where clear may fall to -6 C. Severe frost may persist much of the morning there. Lows near -3 C east. Afternoon highs for most 3 to 7 C. Very cold east winds 40-60 km/hr. The snow is most likely to be encountered in higher parts of Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, as well as north Leinster and east Ulster. By Saturday night it may begin to move further inland (with mixed falls possible, not just snow, but some sleet, hail and cold rain). Roads may become quite icy in some areas by Saturday midnight.

SUNDAY ... Rather cloudy, outbreaks of sleet or wet snow possible, small accumulations expected though. Still a greater chance of wintry showers near east coast but some other parts further inland may see mixed wintry showers from early morning through the day. Very cold in easterly winds of 40-70 km/hr. Morning lows -5 to +1 C (the milder readings near outer coasts), afternoon highs 3 to 7 C.

MONDAY ... Overcast, slightly, rain at times (possibly heavy near south coast) could turn to sleet or snow on higher ground well inland. Lows -3 to +2 C and highs 5 to 8 C. Winds southeast 50 to 70 km/hr. Mildest readings in west Munster, coldest in Ulster.

OUTLOOK ... Milder in stages next week, winds generally southeast moderate to strong at times, outbreaks of rain could be sleety at times but temperatures will gradually return to more normal values of 8-10 C by day.

My local weather on Tuesday was like a winter wonderland postcard scene, probably more welcome at local ski resorts than most other places, sunshine, snow on trees, 25 cms of snow on the ground at my location, and (I am not making this up, google videos) 80-100 cms at Chilliwack and Hope further inland. We get increasing cloud during the day today, then more snow, freezing rain turning to rain on Thursday, flood and roof collapse issues as there are flat roofed buildings in this region. Meanwhile, while it was very mild on the east coast of the U.S. on Tuesday, reaching 18-22 C, a snowstorm is now brewing and likely to hit late tonight into Thursday, with 30-50 cms predicted for New York and New England, 5-20 cms for Washington to Philadelphia. If you're flying in there today, no problem, if you have a Thursday flight, expect possible delays.

Friday, 10 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, cold with moderate east winds at times 30-50 km/hr. Isolated wintry showers near Irish Sea coasts, not much accumulation of sleet or snow from these, and rather limited in extent. Highs will reach about 3 to 5 C for most, 5 to 8 in west Munster.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with some clear breaks, very cold. Eclipse of the full moon (not a total eclipse, but penumbral) will occur about midnight to 0100h. Lows -3 to -5 C.

SATURDAY ... Mixture of cloud and sun, moderate east to northeast winds 30 to 50 km/hr, and feeling very cold, highs 3 to 7 C. Some wintry showers may drift into parts of the southeast and east, generally light accumulations of sleet or snow from these, and spotty coverage expected. The remnants may make further progress into central and south coast counties during the evening and overnight.

SUNDAY ... Mostly cloudy, scattered wintry showers, but little accumulation of sleet or snow except on some hills. Winds somewhat brisker, east-southeast 40-60 km/hr, and morning lows -3 to +2 C, afternoon highs 4 to 7 C.

MONDAY ... Outbreaks of rain, somewhat milder although stronger southeast winds about 50-80 km/hr may make it feel about as cold as the weekend in places, as temperatures slowly edge up (lows near 2 C and highs near 8 C).

OUTLOOK ... Milder, some light rain at times, highs 10-12 C mid-week.

My local weather was a real mess, freezing rain followed by rain as temperatures rose to about 7 C by afternoon. Some melting has begun but the snow is soaking up the moisture. Heavier freezing rain inland brought down some wires and tree branches as well as doing some roof damage where snow became too heavy. The east coast had a short-lived but intense snowstorm that dropped 30-50 cms over most of New York and New England. That is now moving through eastern Canada and skies are clearing in the northeast U.S. ... more snow is expected late this weekend in parts of New England from systems sliding across the Great Lakes this weekend and becoming more energized by the warmer Atlantic. Meanwhile it will be quite warm in the central and southern states, highs of 20-25 C widespread there.

The cold air mass over central and eastern Europe is not exceptional, currently -8 C in Warsaw and -6 in Berlin, for example, but some severe cold is found in northern Scandinavia where a few readings below -30 can be found.

Sunday, 12 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, scattered sleety showers of rain (mostly) may become more mixed by mid-day as somewhat colder air moves in aloft. This will have the effect of holding temperatures fairly steady around 4-7 C and producing a wider mixture of wintry precipitation, especially in parts of the inland north-central region. Snow will also continue to fall on higher slopes. Some parts of the Atlantic coast could see a few breaks in the overcast. Brisk easterly winds 50-70 km/hr at times.

TONIGHT ... Windy, not as cold with rising temperatures reaching 6-8 C by morning, some patchy light rain near south coast, any lingering wintry showers in west Ulster moving offshore around midnight. Winds southeast 40-60 km/hr.

MONDAY ... Windy and rather mild with a few outbreaks of light rain but also some breaks, winds southeast 50-80 km/hr, highs 8-11 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, an interval of light rain for parts of the south later moving into Leinster, but small amounts expected (2-5 mm). Winds southeast to south easing to 30-50 km/hr. Mild, lows 3-5 C and highs 8-11 C.

OUTLOOK ... Continued rather mild to end of the week, then very mild by the weekend (18th-19th) with potential for temperatures to reach 15 C.

My local weather on Saturday was mostly cloudy, largely dry, and snow continues to melt slowly; the pack is now reduced to about 10-15 cm. It was mild with a high of about 7 C (probably would have reached 10 or higher without the snow cover).

A weak snowfall event will develop across the eastern Great Lakes and inland portions of New York, New England today and tonight. This will develop rapidly into a blizzard for eastern New England and parts of Nova Scotia on Monday. However, from New York City south, this system will have little or no effect and temperatures will remain rather mild. It has been record-breaking warm in the southwest; for example, Wichita Falls, TX reached 34 C, and on Friday, Denver hit 27 C. This very warm air is being rapidly pushed south but it will linger near the Gulf coast.

Tuesday, 14 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Some light rain near south coast will move across southeast counties but amounts relatively small (3-7 mm), while most other places see only patchy drizzle in a mixture of mostly cloud and a few sunny breaks. Mild with highs 8-11 C. Moderate southeast winds becoming southerly except in Ulster where they will start out brisk easterly and become southeasterly, 40-60 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, mild, low 3-6 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, some rain at times in parts of the north and west, otherwise isolated patchy drizzle. Mild, highs 9-12 C.

THURSDAY ... Hazy sunshine at times, mild. Lows 2-6 C and highs 8-12 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy, light rain by evening in west. Lows 4-7 C and highs 9-12 C.

SATURDAY ... Rain clearing east, some sunny breaks, lows 5-8 C and highs 8-11 C.

SUNDAY to TUESDAY will be very mild, potential for highs to reach 13-15 C. Following that, a gradual return to more seasonable temperatures and the possibility of a colder turn near the end of the month. Overall, not a lot of rainfall expected in this coming two weeks, but small amounts adding up to perhaps half to three-quarters the normal amount.

My local weather remained clear and mild, with highs near 10 C. Very heavy snow fell all day in Maine, New Hampshire, and parts of eastern Canada, amounts exceeded 60 cms in some places. A weaker disturbance is expected in the same region on Thursday, otherwise, most of the continent will enjoy mild early spring weather.

Thursday, 16 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Hazy sunshine at times in south and east, but outbreaks of light rain in parts of Connacht and west Ulster, mild throughout with highs 8-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, mild, fog patches and some further light rain in north, lows about 6 or 7 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy, light to moderate rain spreading gradually east late in the day, about 10-15 mm likely by Saturday morning, heaviest near south and west coasts with highs 9-12 C.

SATURDAY ... Rain clearing east, some sunny breaks, lows 5-8 C and highs 8-11 C.

SUNDAY ... Some hazy sunshine in south, low cloud with some drizzle in north, highs reaching 13 or 14 C in parts of inland south, 10 to 12 C elsewhere.

MONDAY to about WEDNESDAY (22nd) will continue very mild, with potential for highs to reach 13-15 C in the south, 11-13 C north. Following that, a more variable pattern is indicated with rapid fluctuations in temperature, some days will be quite mild but others closer to normal or cold, timing the changes not really that reliable this far out.

My local weather was mild with occasional rain and highs near 12 C. Looking forward to the first signs of spring blooming now, the long spell of cold weather has resulted in dormant vegetation but all the snow is gone in lower elevations (aside from big piles near parking lots). About 10 to 20 cms of snow has fallen over much of northern New England and this will move into eastern Canada where 15 to 25 cms will be added to the recent large snow depths. It remains quite mild west of about Ohio to eastern Virginia.

Saturday, 18 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Rain ending in east as it breaks up to showers, should be starting to dry out by noon at the latest, then clearing with a mixture of sunshine and cloud, highs 9 to 12 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, mild. Lows 3 to 7 C.

SUNDAY ... Hazy sunshine possible inland south, otherwise mostly cloudy, light rain or drizzle near north coast, very mild with highs 11 to 14 C.

MONDAY ... Occasional rain north, overcast and mild south. Lows 7 to 9 C and highs about 13 C. Rain not very heavy (3-7 mm) but a few remnant showers will drift further south by evening.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, very mild. Outbreaks of rain will develop across parts of the northwest, lows 5 to 8 C and highs 12 to 14 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Windy and turning colder with squally showers developing later in the day, highs near 10 C.

THURSDAY ... At this point, Thursday looks much colder with strong west to northwest winds and mixed wintry showers possible, temperatures in the 4 to 7 C range.

FRIDAY ... Not as cold, winds southwesterly, highs near 8 or 9 C, some light rain at times.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Highly variable with mild spells and brief cold intervals too.

My local weather on Friday was mostly sunny and mild with highs near 14 C.

If skies are clear this evening, have a look to the southwest, you'll easily spot Venus and then to its left you'll find Mars.

Monday, 20 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Occasional rain by afternoon in north Connacht and Ulster, overcast and mild south with a few light drizzly showers. Lows 7 to 9 C and highs about 13 C. Rain in north not very heavy (3-7 mm) but a few remnant showers will drift further south by late afternoon and evening.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, occasional rain mostly confined to south-central counties, lows 5-8 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, mild. Outbreaks of rain will develop across parts of the northwest, lows 5 to 8 C and highs 12 to 14 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Windy and turning colder with rain developing later in the day, possibly heavy in parts of the north, highs 9-11 C. There may be an interval of strong westerly winds 70-110 km/hr during the night into Thursday morning.

THURSDAY ... Turning colder with strong west to northwest winds 70-110 km/hr in north, 60-90 km/hr elsewhere, and mixed wintry showers possible in Ulster, hail or rain showers further south, and temperatures in the 4 to 7 C range north, 7 to 10 C south.

FRIDAY ... Not as cold, winds southwesterly 40-70 km/hr, lows 2 to 5 C and highs near 8 or 9 C, some rain at times.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Milder again next weekend and into early portion of Monday 27th, highs 10 to 13 C. Risk of another interval of strong winds (west to northwest) developing around mid-day Monday and persisting into Tuesday with a sharp drop in temperatures, with mixed or wintry showers returning to the mix as February gives way to March.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast with occasional light rain. Heavy rain is moving into central California and many people are on evacuation notice as officials monitor flood-threatened rivers east and north of Sacramento, including the Oroville Dam which is a very large structure holding back two forks of the Feather River draining the northern Sierra Nevada Range. This region is about to get a very heavy rainfall and at last report the spillway that protects the dam was leaking substantial amounts of floodwater. But that's not the only area under flood threat as the heavy rains are quite widespread (although not affecting southern California this time).

Wednesday, 22 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


ALERT for strong northwest winds in Ulster and Leinster from midnight to 1200h Thursday, and most intense around 0300-0900h. Some model guidance suggests peak gusts of about 120 km/hr which could cause some minor damage to trees. However, not all guidance is this intense, although the storm would certainly be noteworthy at 90 to 110 km/hr, and all guidance seems to agree that the storm becomes more intense mid-day Thursday over northwest to east-central England. I will issue an update on this fast-developing situation around 9:00 p.m. this evening before the onset of strong winds, or earlier if necessary. It continues to appear that most of Connacht and Munster, even sheltered areas of south Leinster, will only see modest peaks to 80 km/hr during the event although counties in northeast Connacht could also briefly see more disruptive winds. The greatest risk of wind damage would probably occur near Drogheda, Dundalk, and most of east Ulster. Dublin is somewhat "on the edge" of the zone of strongest winds according to most guidance. The direction of strongest gusty winds will be west-north-west although more like north-north-west on the north coast of Ulster. Lough Neagh could experience a brief interval of storm force winds around 0600h from the northwest. Rather than a storm surge, the dynamics of this storm may create unsually low tides as water is driven away from the east coast at astronomical low tides. The effects of this storm on northwest to central England and north Wales could be considerably more disruptive with possible wind gusts to 130 km/hr there.

TODAY ... Breezy with occasional rain becoming heavy for a time in north and some central counties (5-15 mm), south to southwest winds 40-60 km/hr, increasing late in the day to 50-80 km/hr. Highs near 10 C north, 12 C south.

TONIGHT ... Very windy at times in Ulster and Leinster, as westerly winds of 70-100 km/hr veer to northwest 80-120 km/hr. Squally showers and temperatures steady near 6 or 7 C. In most of Connacht and Munster, less intense winds but a similar forecast otherwise, as westerly winds gradually veer to northwest 60-90 km/hr, occasional showers, temperatures near 7 C.

THURSDAY ... The very strong overnight winds may continue to be disruptive at 80 to 120 km/hr in parts of east Ulster and north Leinster to about mid-day before easing rather quickly to northwest 40-70 km/hr, with temperatures slowly dropping to about 5 C. There will be frequent mixed wintry showers with snow possible on hills in Ulster. Elsewhere, a more constant moderate northwest wind, turning colder, mixed wintry showers on hills, rain or hail at lower elevations, but a few sunny breaks between the showers, temperatures around 7 to 9 C and winds northwest 50-80 km/hr. In general the strong winds will be most intense where the terrain channels wind flow from the northwest, as for example south of the Mourne Mountains. Some places may be sheltered by high ground to their northwest.

FRIDAY ... Rather cold overnight then turning much milder again with intervals of rain and strong southwest winds 70-100 km/hr. Lows 2-4 C and highs 8-11 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Mild, some outbreaks of moderate rain early Saturday in southwest winds 50-80 km/hr, then a more showery to partly cloudy regime by Sunday, highs each day near 12 C.

MONDAY ... Intervals of showery rain, moderate winds in most regions but a risk of stronger winds developing near Atlantic coasts (veering northerly) as a depression tracks southeast across Ireland. By Monday night this may produce a brief interval of strong northeast winds in Leinster, and sleet on hills. Temperatures slowly falling from near 7 C to near 3 C by Tuesday morning.

TUESDAY ... Windy and cold with mixed wintry showers, temperatures steady near 4 or 5 C in moderate to strong northwest to north winds.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... A highly variable temperature trend is likely to develop in early March as the flow continues to vary between mild southwest and cold northwest intervals.

My local weather on Tuesday was overcast with occasional light rain developing, and highs of about 8 C. A colder spell is about to begin here with sharp frosts and highs around 4 or 5 C. We may see a bit of snow although nothing as heavy as we had on two occasions during the winter.

Thursday, 23 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


ALERT for very strong and damaging winds across much of north and central two-thirds of Ireland (including NI) ongoing to about 0800h west coast and to about 1100h east coast. Very severe winds developed with the storm overnight and hit the higher end of the estimated range with gusts to 78 knots at Mace Head, 73 knots at Newport, and recently over 60 knots inland across much of Connacht. It appears very likely that these very strong winds will continue to push further east and arrive probably before you read this in eastern counties, certainly by 0500h. Westerly gale to storm force winds peaking at around 130 km/hr will be widespread causing disruption to travel, electricity, and damage to trees and small buildings, signs etc. Travel is strongly discouraged until the windstorm subsides around mid-day. The southern third of the country including most of Munster will be somewhat less severely affected with peak gusts of about 100-110 km/hr. There may also be some blinding rain squalls during the strong winds reducing visibility to near zero briefly.


FORECASTS: (later days may be added or updated as time permits)

TODAY ... Very windy (see alert for details) with occasional squally rain showers and a few longer intervals of rain or hail, turning to sleet or snow over higher parts of the north. Winds west to northwest 90 to 130 km/hr in many areas, although 60-100 km/hr in parts of the south. The stormy conditions should ease gradually, first in western and southern counties this morning and later in the east and north but it will remain blustery right into the afternoon for most, albeit not as severe as currently. Travel including short walks probably not a very safe idea in the more storm-exposed counties this morning. Temperatures falling slowly to about 5 or 6 C except 7 to 9 C in west Munster and 2 to 5 C in parts of Ulster.

TONIGHT ... Winds easing further, moderate westerly backing to southwest at about 50-70 km/hr, some rain at times in north, cold to start but turning milder after midnight, temperatures near 2 C at first rising to 7 C by morning.

FRIDAY ... Breezy and mild, occasional rain, highs near 10 to 12 C. Winds southwest 50-80 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Breezy, mild, occasional rain, lows 5-7 C and highs 9 to 11 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy at first, then occasional light rain, highs near 10 C. Becoming windy and colder with mixed wintry showers possible in higher parts of Ulster and Connacht by evening.

MONDAY and TUESDAY are expected to bring another round of rather strong winds and colder weather with mixed wintry showers, highs 5 to 8 C. Winds will be mostly northwest to north in the 50 to 80 km/hr range but occasionally calm as weak fronts or troughs develop.

My local weather on Wednesday was sunny most of the time with passing hail showers in the vicinity, leaving a short-lived covering on grass at mid-day, and it was quite cold, the high reached 5 C.

Further updates best bet would be to consult the ongoing storm thread on the weather forum. Stay safe.

Saturday, 25 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Windy at times with frequent showers at first, partial clearing by mid-day west, spreading to east by late afternoon. Rainfall 2-5 mm west, 5-15 mm east. Winds southwest veering to westerly 50-80 km/hr. Highs 9-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Breezy, showers followed by an interval of steady rain, temperatures steady 7-9 C.

SUNDAY ... Intermittent rain turning to sleet at times on higher ground as colder air seeps in from the west. Temperatures falling slowly from morning highs near 10 C reaching 4-6 C by late afternoon. About 10-20 mm of rain is possible in south central and eastern counties, 5-10 mm elsewhere. Winds moderate, southwest to west 40-60 km/hr.

MONDAY and TUESDAY will be rather windy and cold days with outbreaks of sleety rain that could turn to snow at times, especially on somewhat higher terrain above 100 m above sea level. Highs both days 4-8 C and overnight lows 1-3 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for rather cold and unsettled weather to continue for several days into early March, the typical highs will be 7 to 9 C and lows around 2 C and some wintry showers could be part of the mix.

My local weather on Friday was mostly sunny and quite cold, with a few isolated sleet or snow showers, highs only about 3 C. Currently clear and -4 C (at 11 p.m. local time).

Sunday, 26 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Windy and turning colder with outbreaks of rain becoming rather heavy at times in south central to eastern counties where 10-20 mm could fall. Highs 8-10 degrees this morning will tend to fall off to 4-7 C by afternoon. As to the wind situation, I can see potential for southwest winds of 80-100 km/hr developing, and possibly higher gusts as the official forecast warns about, but the indications are a bit less than convincing this morning; I will update this detail by about 10:30. More certain that counties from a Clare to Meath line northward will not see wind gusts much over 70 km/hr. Wexford seems to be the most likely county to see any damaging gusts if they develop, followed by Waterford and Carlow, south Kilkenny.

TONIGHT ... Breezy and very cold, passing wintry showers and some small accumulations of snow possible. Lows -2 to +2 C.

MONDAY ... Breezy, very cold, occasional sleet or wet snow showers, brief accumulations of 1-3 cms in west and north. Highs 4-7 C.

TUESDAY ... Becoming very windy, winds northwest 70-110 km/hr. Passing sleety showers, squally at times, highs 6-8 C but feeling closer to freezing due to the wind.

WEDNESDAY ... Some early morning rain or sleet across the south, as winds drop off and back to easterly for a time. Then partly cloudy, still rather cold, with passing showers; wintry showers will probably be pushed back up to higher elevations. Lows about 3 C and highs about 8 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rather cold and unsettled for most of the next two weeks.

My local weather on Saturday was overcast and very cold with highs only reaching about 4 C. Light snow has developed this evening, some areas have had 2-5 cms but there's just a greasy coating on grassy surfaces here.

So, I will try to nail down some more precise timing for any strong winds developing later today, the most likely period would be 1100-1400h.

Tuesday, 28 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Windy or very windy at times, winds northwest 70-110 km/hr, and continued cold, with passing sleet or snow showers, mixing with rain later in the day, but also some dry intervals with limited sunshine. Winds strongest from around Donegal Bay southeast to Dublin and Meath, some severe gusts are possible around mid-day. Highs 5 to 8 C, feeling like 2 C in the strong winds.

TONIGHT ... Not as windy, outbreaks of rain or sleet in the south turning to snow on hills in west and southeast Munster. Lows there around 2 C. Further north, some partly cloudy intervals, isolated sleet showers, lows -1 to +2 C.

WEDNESDAY ... A complex series of small low pressure areas will bring one interval of rain or sleet to the south early in the day, then showers or outbreaks of rain by late afternoon in the northwest. Some places between these zones may have a relatively dry early part of the day with a few sunny intervals. Rain or sleet will spread to most counties during the afternoon. Highs about 8 C. There may be a period of strong winds in Connacht and Ulster overnight into Thursday, some guidance suggests this will spread further south, while other guidance holds it to the north coast. This situation is not really resolved yet, watch for updates as there is potential for some western parts of the country to see strong or severe westerly wind gusts by about midnight (early Thursday morning).

THURSDAY ... Any strong winds that develop should ease by mid-morning and it will start to turn a little milder in southeast to east winds, followed by light rain that could still turn to wet snow on hills at first. Lows near -2 C and highs near 8 C.

FRIDAY ... Overcast, moderate east to northeast winds, rain at times, 10-20 mm possible, and temperatures steady 6 to 10 C with the colder readings in the north and northwest as well as on higher terrain in the south. Winds about 40 to 70 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... The last of the rain or sleet pulling away to the northeast as winds back to north then northwest with partial clearing spreading east, cool, highs around 7 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, a little milder, highs near 10 C.

MONDAY ... Outbreaks of rain, milder but becoming windy at times (southeasterly then south to southwest 50-80 km/hr). Highs near 11 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... A somewhat milder pattern seems likely to develop and temperatures in the second week of March may return to seasonal averages of about 11 to 14 C. There would probably be some rain but also one or two pleasant dry spells as this cold pool of air is pushed back into the far northern Atlantic for a while. Long settled periods seem unlikely but there could be the odd pleasant day in the mix.

My local weather on Monday featured sleety light snow that failed to accumulate much in the city but reached depths of 5-8 cms in nearby places a little further inland. It remained cold when this snow ended and highs were close to 5 C.

A strong disturbance is forming up today in the plains states and there could be a large outbreak of severe weather late today and on Wednesday in the Ohio valley, Gulf coast, southeast states and parts of the east coast. Temperatures will soar to about 25 C ahead of this front and plunge back to -5 C in places after it blows through. A snowstorm will develop in the northern Great Lakes region and parts of the northern plains and eastern prairies.

Thursday, 2 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Becoming less windy during the morning, a few sunny breaks with isolated sleety showers, then rain moving into western counties, as winds become southeast 30-50 km/hr, some sleet or snow mixing in at times on higher ground. Rather cold with highs 7 to 9 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain at lower elevations in the south, sleet or snow on hills, cold and raw easterly winds developing 40-60 km/hr. Some dry intervals further north although cloudy with sleet at times. Lows 2-4 C for most, near freezing in a few spots that could produce some icy stretches of roadways.

FRIDAY ... Overcast, raw and cold, moderate east to northeast winds 40 to 70 km/hr, rain at times, 10-20 mm possible, and temperatures steady 4 to 8 C with the colder readings in the north and northwest as well as on higher terrain in the south. Some falls of sleet and snow likely above 150 m above sea level.

SATURDAY ... The last of the rain (totals about 20 mm) or sleet pulling away to the northeast as winds back to north then northwest with partial clearing spreading east, cool, highs around 7 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, showers or periods of rain, turning a little milder, highs near 9 C. Becoming rather windy (west to northwest 50-80 km/hr).

MONDAY ... Outbreaks of rain, milder and windy at times (southwesterly 50-80 km/hr). Highs near 11 C.

TUESDAY ... Intervals of rain, milder, highs 11-13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Generally unsettled but milder than this week with highs in the normal range, 11-14 C.

My local weather on Wednesday was overcast with occasional light rain and a bit milder than recently, highs near 7 C.

Saturday, 4 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... After a day and night of heavy rainfall in parts of Connacht and west Munster, watch out for local flooding and mudslides in hilly areas, conditions will not improve much today although the heavier rain has tapered off to intermittent light rain for now. Some spells of heavier rain may redevelop in parts of the north and west later on with 20-40 mm potential, but this won't necessarily be recorded in all parts, 5-15 mm is the more likely amount in much of the southeast and east-central counties. Sleet or wet snow may mix in on higher ground. Winds will be moderate northerly in Atlantic counties, 40-60 km/hr and moderate to strong northwest in west Munster, 50-80 km/hr at times. However, winds much lighter in parts of the east and north closer to the slack circulation of the low (which is now around Westmeath drifting erratically north). Highs today in the chilly 5-8 cm range.

TONIGHT ... The northern system will weaken further with rain becoming patchy and intermittent across the north, and sleet or snow moving down to lower elevations during the night as temperatures fall to 1-3 C. An Atlantic frontal wave currently well out to sea will arrive in west Munster and renew the heavier rainfall in counties from Clare (and south Galway) to Cork and Waterford during the night; about 20-30 mm may fall there. Lows 2-4 C in this rain. Further east, cloudy with a few breaks, fog patches, a few icy sections, and isolated hill sleet or snow showers, quite cold with lows to -2 C in places.

SUNDAY ... Rain will continue to spread east and somewhat further north, with sleet or snow quite possible on hills above 200 metres a.s.l.; cold with gusty southwest to west winds of 50-80 km/hr in Munster and south Leinster, and chilly further north although less windy with more isolated mixed wintry showers. Highs 4-7 C.

MONDAY ... Further sleety or mixed wintry showers possible, then some clearing in moderate westerly winds, morning lows near -1 C and afternoon highs near 7 C.

TUESDAY ... Turning considerably milder with rain more confined to Atlantic and northern counties, highs 10-13 C.

WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY will continue rather mild with highs near 12 C, some additional rain at times but a drying interval for the south.

OUTLOOK ... Friday 10th to about Monday 13th will turn a lot colder in north to northeast winds and there may be opportunities for snow in the mix, certainly some chilly sleety rain or mixed wintry showers at times, and highs only around 4 to 7 C. That cold spell will probably lead to a more settled interval with milder days but frosty nights. Spring is certainly rather slow to develop, as is the case for me in a far away location too. ...

My local weather on Friday was cool and showery with highs near 6 C. The weekend is likely to turn even colder with mixed wintry showers and highs near 4 C. It is generally cold everywhere in North America now except for parts of the Gulf coast and desert southwest where it's sunny and 30 C. I noticed that in the normally very cold Canadian arctic islands, there was a reading of -53 C (at 0600z) at Mould Bay in the western portion, a particularly low value even for that location.

Monday, 6 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Continuing rather cold with outbreaks of rain moving across the south, turning to sleet or snow on higher slopes in Wicklow and south Dublin. About 10 to 15 mm of rain (or a few cms of snow on higher ground) can be expected. Variable cloud further north with isolated showers, some wintry near hills. Highs 4-7 C north and 7-9 C south coast. Moderate westerly winds developing, some gusty intervals near Atlantic coasts.

TONIGHT ... Rain or sleet ending in east, a few clear intervals, frost around midnight but temperatures then rising to 2-5 C before morning, rain moving into western counties by dawn.

TUESDAY ... Rain may be heavy at times across central counties into the southeast, and persistent elsewhere, but it will turn considerably milder with highs 11-13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly cloudy, mild. Lows 4-7 C and highs 11-13 C.

THURSDAY ... Rain at times, mild. Highs near 12 C.

FRIDAY ... Showers, gusty southwest winds veering westerly 50-80 km/hr. Turning colder with temperatures dropping from near 10 C to 4-6 C.

SATURDAY ... Rain at times, highs near 9 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will see another cold spell that could involve some mixed wintry showers. It will then turn rather mild for a few days.

My local weather on Sunday started out with 15 cms of heavy wet snow on the ground in the morning, and a mixture of wet snow and light rain through the day. Most of this snow is still on the ground as temperatures have been steady at 1 or 2 degrees. An outbreak of severe storms is expected later today in Missouri and Illinois, not as severe as last week though. This will bring temperatures down quickly after highs near 20 C.

Wednesday, 8 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Light rain will gradually move away from the south coast, otherwise most counties will become partly cloudy with just isolated shower potential mostly in the north. The afternoon should be pleasant in most places. Highs 10-12 C.

TONIGHT ... Increasing cloud then light rain moving back in from the south, reaching most parts of Munster and south Leinster by morning. Lows 3-5 C north and 6-8 C south.

THURSDAY ... Light rain at times, mild. Highs near 12 C.

FRIDAY ... Partly cloudy, very mild. Some rain by evening. Highs near 14 C.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, highs near 10 C.

SUNDAY ... Breezy, passing showers, cool. Highs 7-9 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rather mild again for several days next week, with indications that it may turn sharply colder around the 17th for about four days, windy with a chance of mixed wintry showers, highs 5-8 C. Mild weather would return after the weekend of 18th-19th.

My local weather on Tuesday featured almost non-stop wet snow that was melting on contact although we still have about 5 cms on the ground from the weekend. The high was about 4 C.

Friday, 10 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy with more pleasant sunny breaks, highs 13 to 15 C. Isolated patches of drizzle or light showers more likely near south coast and northwest counties.

TONIGHT ... Rain will edge towards the west coast during the evening and may spread further east before sunrise. Mild with lows 6-9 C. Fog patches may become dense with poor visibility in some inland valleys.

SATURDAY ... Overnight light rain or showers with morning lows near 7 C will begin to clear away and it will become partly to mostly sunny by mid-day (morning also in west) with maximum temperatures only falling slightly to about 12 or 13 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, somewhat stronger west to northwest winds 40-60 km/hr, and passing showers, also a bit cooler with morning lows 5-7 C and afternoon readings of 10 or 11 C.

MONDAY ... Morning fog patches or drizzle in north and west, some clear spots in the inland south where lows could fall to near 2 C, then hazy with some brighter intervals and very mild during the day, highs near 16 C inland.

TUESDAY ... Mild, breezy, showers developing, highs 14-16 C.

OUTLOOK ... More frequent showers mid-week with a cooling trend, windy and rather cold by Thursday near 8 C, unsettled, then milder air returning slowly during the day on Friday 17th according to latest guidance, some rain may be involved in the warm fronts and highs 11-13 C. This variable trend will continue for a few more days, details are bound to change closer to the time but the average will be close to normal March temperatures and rainfall (after a rather wet start, the first week of March averaged 2.5 times normal rain for that interval, hopefully that will fall off progressively as we move forward).

My local weather on Thursday was overcast and chilly with occasional sleet, and highs near 4 C. Snow is moving across parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania and will reach New Jersey and New York City, Long Island later, 3 to 7 cms expected. It will then turn bitterly cold in the northeast U.S. this weekend and more significant snowstorms may develop early next week.

(full moon is Sunday 12th, in case I forget to mention it then)

Sunday, 12 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Rain soon clearing away from east coast during the morning, then an interval of sunshine before variable amounts of cloud already present on the Atlantic coasts move east, accompanied by somewhat stronger west to northwest winds 40-60 km/hr, and a few passing showers that will be more widespread near Atlantic coasts and as far east as the midlands at times, also it will be somewhat cooler with highs of 10 or 11 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers ending, except for some patchy light rain or drizzle near northwest coast. Some rather cool temperatures may develop where skies clear in the southeast. You'll perhaps be able to see the full moon (and if you look right after sunset, Venus still rather bright in the southwest, but about to fade from the scene). Lows tonight about 2-5 C in clear spots and 5-8 C where low cloud develops.

MONDAY ... Morning fog patches or drizzle in north and west, some clear spots in the inland south where lows could fall to near 2 C, then hazy with some brighter intervals and very mild during the day, highs near 16 C inland.

TUESDAY ... Mild, breezy, showers developing in far north and also some rain at times in west Munster not making too much progress further east however as it seems likely to remain dry in central and eastern counties with some sunny intervals, mild with highs 13-16 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Mild, increasing cloud, some rain by evening, highs 14-16 C.

THURSDAY ... Rain at times, breezy to windy (WNW 50-70 km/hr) and turning cooler, highs 8-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Occasional rain, breezy to windy at times (westerly 40-60 km/hr) highs 9-12 C.

OUTLOOK ... Unsettled with temperatures near average at best, but sometimes dropping a little below average. By the late stages of this month it looks like all things considered it will be a rather mild March with ample rainfall and perhaps average amounts of sunshine.

Meanwhile, my local weather on Saturday featured persistent light rain and highs of about 10 C. Central Canada and the northern U.S. are clear and very cold in advance of a developing snowstorm that will start to come together on Monday in the Ohio valley and southeastern states. This one may be quite blizzard-like for the major cities of the east coast, expect some airport closures and travel delays around Tuesday. The weak system from Friday's weather report gained a lot of strength over the Atlantic and hit Newfoundland very hard on Saturday, winds at St John's airport gusted to 158 km/hr and there was substantial damage to roofs in that part of the island. This storm became a 947 mb low in the western Atlantic but it isn't headed directly for Europe, more of a stall south of Greenland spinning off a few less intense lows that will travel south of Iceland later in the week.

(just FYI, in North America we have just gone to daylight saving time, clocks ahead one hour, I think this happens in two weeks for Europe? let me know if that's right)

Tuesday, 14 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, occasional light rain possible in parts of Connacht but only 1-3 mm at most, however, low cloud may be rather persistent in some west coast counties, highs for most will be about 13 to 15 C but possibly as high as 17 C in parts of the inland south if the sun comes out.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, mild. Lows 4 to 7 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly cloudy with some warm spells of hazy sunshine, highs 13 to 17 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy, some rain at times, becoming more breezy (SW 40-60 km/hr) and not as mild, lows 5 to 7 C and highs 10 to 12 C.

FRIDAY 17th ... Breezy to windy at times, cool, showers or intervals of light rain, about 5-10 mm in total. Winds westerly 50-70 km/hr. Lows 3 to 6 C and highs about 10 to 13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Milder on Saturday 18th with highs near 16 C, then turning colder with showers on Sunday 19th, highs near 13 C, then back to milder conditions by Monday 20th, and beyond that, even more variable with large swings in temperature likely -- the average for the last ten days of the month may be close to normal but it will change considerably day to day, perhaps rather typical of March. There will probably be one or two quite warm days in the mix as well.

My local weather on Monday was overcast with light rain and the high was about 12 C. A powerful storm is moving up the east coast of the U.S. today; heavy sleet is reported around Washington D.C. to Atlantic City NJ, and this will probably spread into Long Island and eastern Massachusetts later. Heavy snow is already falling in parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and this will spread into New York state and most of New England inland from Boston to eastern Rhode Island. Amounts could reach 50 cms in parts of eastern PA and hilly areas of New England. There is also some heavy lake effect snow in northeast winds around Chicago and northern Ohio, and similar results are expected around western Lake Ontario later today.

Thursday, 16 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Showers developing, becoming rather windy and feeling colder by afternoon, winds westerly 40-60 km/hr, highs 11-13 C. Rainfalls of 5-10 mm.

TONIGHT ... Breezy, rather cool and unsettled with intervals of light rain, some clear intervals near south coast. Lows 2 to 5 C.

FRIDAY 17th ... Breezy to windy, rain at times, perhaps some brighter intervals by afternoon, cool. Winds westerly 40-60 km/hr. About 5-15 mm of rain, heavier amounts in Connacht and parts of west Munster. Afternoon highs 11 to 13 C. If you pick the right time, though, there could be an hour or two of tolerable weather for outdoor festivities, it probably won't rain non-stop. Longer dry intervals seem likely in southeast than elsewhere.

SATURDAY ... Mostly cloudy, a bit milder, still a persistent southwest wind at about 40 km/hr, and patchy light rain mostly confined to north. Morning lows about 5-7 C then highs 14-16 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY look quite windy (SW 50-80 km/hr) with temperatures not far from 13 C, night generally mild although it could clear for a time in east Ulster and north Leinster Monday early morning, with a touch of frost possible there, then turning colder by Tuesday as winds become more northwesterly. This cold spell now seems set to last about three or four days, and it may produce some mixed wintry showers on higher terrain as a strong northerly wind develops later next week. Daytime temperatures late next week could be well down into the 5-8 C range if current guidance is accurate.

There are still signs of a warmer interval at the end of March, with highs back into the mid-teens.

My local weather on Wednesday was overcast with a bit of rain by evening and risk of a thunderstorm overnight, and it was mild with highs near 14 C.

Saturday, 18 March, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, milder, patchy light rain becoming more confined to the north and west, amounts generally small but possibly 10-15 mm in some west coast locations. Highs 13-16 C. Moderate southwest winds 40-60 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, showers or periods of rain developing, windy (SW 50 to 80 km/hr), temperatures steady between 5 and 7 C.

MONDAY ... Becoming much colder with showers turning wintry on higher ground at first, then more widely by afternoon. Significant snow or hail most likely on hills in Connacht and west Ulster. Temperatures falling to about 4 C and possibly colder after snow or hail showers. Winds westerly 50-80 km/hr will add chill.

TUESDAY ... Cold but not as windy, intervals of light rain or sleet developing, more likely in the south and parts of east Ulster, wintry showers feeding into some north-facing coasts in a slight or moderate northeast flow. Morning lows about -2 C with frost likely, afternoon highs near 6 or 7 C at best.

WEDNESDAY ... Continued rather cold, isolated wintry showers continuing, some sunny intervals too. Lows near -2 C and highs near 7 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There will be a mixture of days that are dry with some sunshine at times, and overcast with light drizzly rainfalls but in either case with winds turning to the southeast. More normal late March temperatures will gradually return.

My local weather on Friday was rather raw and cool with rain developing, and temperatures near 5 C.