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

M.T. Cranium · 01-02-2017 08:13AM

Wednesday, 1 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Breezy and mild with outbreaks of light rain, but also some brighter intervals more frequent in east and north. Rainfalls appear likely to be only 2-5 mm during the day. Winds southerly 40-70 km/hr. Highs 10-12 C.

TONIGHT and THURSDAY ... Windy and mild with rain becoming somewhat heavier especially near west and south coasts. Temperatures steady 8-10 C. Southerly winds (becoming SSW) 50-80 km/hr with potential for higher gusts near Mayo and Donegal coasts. About 10-15 mm more rain in west, 5-10 mm east.

FRIDAY ... Showers or intervals of light rain, turning somewhat colder, winds not as blustery and becoming west to northwest after passage of a complex frontal system. Winds generally 40-60 km/hr, sometimes dropping to light near centre of low. Morning lows 2-5 C and afternoon highs 7-9 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Unsettled, near normal temperatures although feeling rather cool, highs about 8-9 C. Some showery rainfall each day, a few breaks in the overcast at times too.

MONDAY and possibly early TUESDAY will see one last Atlantic frontal system passing by the west coast. Once again, this one will apparently stay just far enough off the coast to avoid damaging wind gusts except possibly in coastal Connacht where they are well accustomed to gusts above 100 km/hr. In general winds will peak around southwest 50-80 km/hr. Highs near 10 C.

OUTLOOK calls for a steady downward trend in temperatures as much colder air moves west from east-central Europe. Although only a glancing blow for eastern Ireland is expected (by later next week), any changes in the details could bring sub-freezing air across the Irish Sea; it appears very likely to be cold enough for snow in much of Britain around Wednesday to Friday (8th-10th) and could drop several degrees below freezing there. For Ireland, it seems more likely to bring a sleety mix at times but also some wintry sunshine in southeast winds and temperatures in the range of 3 to 7 C from east to west. Rather cold weather may continue for some time after this outbreak with high pressure never too far from Ireland on charts to mid-month.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny and cool with a northeast wind and slight frost in the morning, highs near 5 C. This is about the same air mass we had after some snowfalls but with no snow left on the ground, the days warm up a bit more. Meanwhile, a weak system has moved through the Great Lakes and northeastern states bringing 3-7 cms of snow to some parts. Temperatures will continue rather cold in the eastern U.S., near normal in central regions and quite warm in the southwest but cold in the Pacific northwest and parts of western Canada.

M.T. Cranium · 02-02-2017 08:40AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 03-02-2017 08:28AM

Friday, 3 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some bright intervals, rather cold, western showers may become somewhat heavier in places, longer dry intervals central and also some cold or sleety rain moving north into Leinster then east Ulster from late morning to early evening. This may give 5-15 mm and some snow on hills. Generally not as windy, but still rather breezy at times in west and near south coast (south to southwest 40-70 km/hr). Winds over the east will drop off to light then will turn to north or northeast 20-40 km/hr as the low moves up from France towards Wales (where mountain snow may be heavy in places). Highs 7-9 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain or sleet in eastern counties at times, heavier falls should remain over the Irish Sea but could brush the coast near Dublin, a bit of snow is likely on higher slopes. Further west, a mixture of clear intervals leading to frost and some icy roads, and wintry showers, lows -2 to +3 C.

SATURDAY ... Frost and ice in some parts slowly easing, 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 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, 10-20 mm potential, 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 Munster now as the cold is seeping west rather than northwest) by late Friday or Saturday (10th-11th). 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 3-6 C by weekend in east, staying around 7 to 9 C on west coast. This colder spell which could be quite sharp in Britain (temperatures to -5 C in parts) seems likely to evolve back into a near normal regime as early as Sunday 12th, with further episodes of wind and rain in the following week.

During this period, severe cold will develop in the Baltic regions and parts of eastern and central Europe. There could be temperatures below -15 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 Friday 10th by the looks of current model charts). Chances appear to be about one in three.

My local weather on Thursday continued sunny and rather cold, highs reached about 4 C and high cloud is spreading in from the south tonight; snow turning to sleet and then rain predicted for the next two days.

M.T. Cranium · 04-02-2017 08:16AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 04-02-2017 08:17AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 05-02-2017 07:55AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 05-02-2017 07:56AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 06-02-2017 08:17AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 07-02-2017 07:50AM

Tuesday, 7 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TOUCH OF WINTER AHEAD

TODAY ... Intervals of showers (some turning wintry) and brief sunny spells, rather cold, and moderate southwest winds at times 30-50 km/hr. Highs 5-8 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers ending, clear intervals and frosty, risk of icy roads in rural areas by midnight to after sunrise. Lows -4 to +1 C.

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

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.

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.

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 may become affected later. Very cold in easterly winds of 40-70 km/hr. Morning lows -5 to +1 C (the milder readings near outer coasts) and 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.

OUTLOOK ... Slowly moderating temperatures through the week of 13 to 17 Feb, reaching about 8 or 9 C eventually, some dry days in the mix.

My local weather on Monday was bright and cold at first, then more snow fell in the afternoon and evening. Believe it or not, some places just a little inland from my location have almost a metre of snow on the ground and a snowfall emergency has been declared there. I have about 25 cms here. A new problem is coming our way in the form of a thaw and heavy rain on Thursday. Meanwhile, mild in most of the eastern half of the U.S. as low pressure brings heavy snow to the upper Great Lakes region today. Some snow is expected around New York to perhaps Washington D.C. by Thursday from the remnants of the west coast storm. Models have wildly different scenarios on how much (some saying 25 cms, some 2 cms).

M.T. Cranium · 08-02-2017 08:23AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 09-02-2017 08:16AM

Thursday, 9 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

No major changes in the outlook -- wintry this weekend

TODAY ... Rather windy and cold, occasional light rain in west Munster but dry elsewhere. Winds backing to southeast 50-70 km/hr. Afternoon highs near 5 or 6 C east, to 7 or 8 C west. Mixed wintry showers may show up on east coast by evening, especially in east Ulster which will be first to feel the colder air mass already moving across Britain today.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, very cold. Isolated wintry showers could drift inland near coasts in Ulster and north Leinster. More cloud further west will keep things a bit milder there. Lows near -3 C east, to +2 C west. A brisk southeast to east wind of about 30-50 km/hr will be more persistent near coasts and hilly areas.

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. 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, and most likely afternoon and evening there, as well as north Leinster and east Ulster at various times. By Saturday night the mixed wintry showers 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 8-11 C by day. There will not be much more rain after Monday but a few outbreaks of showers, however, the following weekend may see some heavier rainfall as the Atlantic regime becomes fully established again.

My local weather on Wednesday was cloudy and very cold (near -2 C) with 2-4 cms of snow that has fallen in the past few hours, now mixing with freezing rain. We're expecting a rapid rise in temperatures to 6 or 7 C by morning, bursts of heavy rain and road flooding (but it will take several days of this to melt all the 20 cms of snow here, and further inland 50-80 cms that will lead to a severe risk of roof collapse in some places (and long-lasting flooding of roads and fields). Meanwhile a major snowstorm is developing overnight and will hit the cities of the northeast U.S. later today with 30-60 cms of snow and strong winds. Many airports are likely to be closed by 1200h GMT and remain closed much of the day into tomorrow. This comes after two days of very mild weather with highs above 15 C.

M.T. Cranium · 10-02-2017 08:18AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 11-02-2017 07:58AM

Saturday, 11 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy and cold with moderate east to northeast winds 30-50 km/hr, a few wintry showers near southeast coast this morning, somewhat more extensive wintry showers this afternoon and evening in Leinster and east Ulster. These showers will range from cold rain near sea level to sleet somewhat further inland and higher, to snow on higher slopes. But there may be changes from rain or sleet to snow if precipitation rates increase. The western two-thirds of the country will likely remain dry with a few sunny breaks further west. Highs 3 to 7 C.

TONIGHT ... Wintry showers, falls of sleet or snow on hills in east and southeast, staying dry and partly to mostly cloudy further west, lows -3 to +1 C. Moderate northeast winds 30-50 km/hr adding some chill.

SUNDAY ... Wintry showers becoming more widespread as they begin to make more progress inland. Western coastal areas may remain largely dry but other regions will see mixed falls of rain, sleet and snow, the snow more likely above 150 metres above sea level. Winds picking up to east-south-east 40-60 km/hr, very cold with highs 3-6 C. Heavy falls of snow are possible on higher slopes in the southeast, and it will be very windy at high elevations too, east 50-80 km/hr.

MONDAY ... Considerably milder with a few outbreaks of light rain, also some partly cloudy intervals with a bit of sunshine, winds southeast 50-80 km/hr, morning lows about 4 C and afternoon highs 9-12 C.

TUESDAY ... Rain, fog and drizzle (only about 5-8 mm expected), temperatures steady around 8 C.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY will turn milder again with some rain at times, highs 11-13 and southerly winds.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... very mild for about a week, then turning quite chilly near the end of February.

Currently, most of Britain is experiencing wintry showers with some falls of heavy snow in places. Remnants of this will reach Ireland late today, but the models suggest much of it will break up during the day.

My local weather on Friday was mild (about 7-8 C) with mostly dry conditions, and a slow melt of the remaining snow. It cleared up this evening, Venus and Mars are rather close together now in the southwest, and I had a great view of the post-eclipse full moon. The northeast U.S. was digging out of the snowstorm but more snow is arriving with chances for 5-15 cms by Sunday-Monday in New England.

M.T. Cranium · 12-02-2017 07:31AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 13-02-2017 08:30AM

Monday, 13 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Windy and milder with intervals of light rain (most persistent in south and parts of Connacht, 3-5 mm potential), winds southeast 50-80 km/hr, and highs reaching 9-12 C. It may still feel a bit on the cold side because of the winds. There could be occasional breaks in the overcast in Leinster and Ulster, but Connacht and Munster will likely stay cloudy and rather misty with hill fog.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, mist and fog, lows 3-6 C.

TUESDAY ... Mixture of cloud and sunshine, isolated outbreaks of drizzle or light rain mostly near southeast coasts. Highs 8-11 C.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY will be mild with just slight chances of rain each day, and highs near 10 or 11 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Very mild, Sunday to Tuesday 21st may bring temperatures well into the mid-teens. There are some indications of a return to colder weather near the end of February.

My local weather on Sunday was sunny and mild with highs near 10 C. Our snow cover is rapidly disappearing but today it was evaporating rather than melting.

Heavy snowfalls will continue in parts of northern New England today, the rest of the eastern states will be windy but a little above freezing (4-7 C). The very warm spell in the west has been suppressed south into the Gulf coast. Mild Pacific air is flowing far north into Canada's subarctic with record high temperatures in regions north of Alberta. This will lead to a very mild week in the central states but cold air will continue to dominate east of Lake Superior.

M.T. Cranium · 14-02-2017 07:45AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 15-02-2017 08:29AM

Wednesday, 15 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Occasional showers and slight risk of thunder, but also some brighter intervals, mild. Highs 10-12 C. Winds southerly 40-60 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Misty or foggy in places, mild. Lows 3-7 C.

THURSDAY ... Hazy sunshine at times except for some outbreaks of light rain in parts of Connacht and west Ulster, mild with highs 8-12 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. 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 about WEDNESDAY (22nd) will be very mild, with potential for highs to reach 13-15 C. Following that, a gradual return to more seasonable temperatures near the end of the month. A more variable pattern is indicated with rapid fluctuations in temperature.

My local weather has been cloudy on Tuesday with rain just setting in overnight, expected to become rather heavy at times today. Almost all of our recent snow has now disappeared, other than in wooded areas. More snow is expected in Maine and eastern Canada as a low from Ontario producing some light snow into northern NY state joins up with a weak disturbance tracking east through TN and NC overnight. This one has a cold rain associated. The result will be about 10-20 cms of snow north and east of Boston, not much if any snow is expected to fall across southern New England or New York City.

M.T. Cranium · 16-02-2017 07:27AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 17-02-2017 07:59AM

Friday, 17 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, hazy, mild. Some light rain will develop near Atlantic coasts by afternoon. Expect about 3-5 mm by evening. Highs 10-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Occasional rain (5-8 mm), foggy, clearing late in western counties, lows 5-7 C.

SATURDAY ... Rain ending in east as it breaks up to showers, then clearing with a mixture of sunshine and cloud, highs 9-11 C.

SUNDAY ... Hazy sunshine possible inland south, otherwise mostly cloudy, light rain or drizzle near north coast, very mild. Morning lows 3-7 C and highs 11-14 C.

MONDAY ... Occasional rain north, overcast and mild south. Lows 7-9 C and highs about 13 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, very mild. Highs near 14 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Windy and turning colder with squally showers, 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 3-7 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 Thursday was partly cloudy and very mild with a pleasant high near 13 C. Heavy rain is spreading into California and threatening more problems at the Oroville Dam which is under a lot of pressure from structural collapse after a very wet winter.

M.T. Cranium · 18-02-2017 07:52AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 19-02-2017 07:49AM

Sunday, 19 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Hazy sunshine possible inland south, otherwise mostly cloudy, light rain or drizzle near north coast, very mild with highs 12 to 15 C. The warmest readings will be across the inland south.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, light rain at times, lows 7 to 9 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 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 60-80 km/hr during the night into Thursday morning.

THURSDAY ... Turning colder with strong west to northwest winds 70-90 km/hr in north, 50-80 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, highs near 8 or 9 C, some rain at times.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Milder again next weekend and into Monday 27th, highs 10 to 13 C. Then a more variable westerly regime brief cold intervals but also some milder days.

My local weather on Saturday was overcast with a few spots of rain at times but essentially dry, not as mild as recently but close to 10 C. A very heavy rainfall (150 to 300 mm) will develop across central California later today and persist into Monday and Tuesday, this will certainly stress the problematic spillway at the Oroville Dam so hoping for the best there. Eastern and central regions of North America remain quite mild.

M.T. Cranium · 20-02-2017 08:32AM

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).

M.T. Cranium · 21-02-2017 07:45AM

Tuesday, 21 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

ADVANCE ALERT for strong northwest winds in Ulster and Leinster during the early morning hours of Thursday. 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 northeast and east-central England. Stay tuned for updates on this, most of Connacht and Munster will only see modest peaks to 80 km/hr during the event although counties in northeast Connacht could also briefly see more disruptive winds.

TODAY ... Sporadic rain (5-15 mm) will move north and begin to intensify to bursts of heavier rain in Ulster by late afternoon. Still quite mild for most with highs reaching 12 or 13 C. Moderate southwest winds 40-60 km/hr. When the rain clears north it will likely remain overcast with a few brighter intervals possible.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, rain less intense across north and tapering off to showers, lows 4-7 C with more isolated showers further south.

WEDNESDAY ... Breezy, occasional rain becoming heavy for a time in north, 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.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ... 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 50-80 km/hr, occasional showers, temperatures near 7 C.

THURSDAY ... The very strong overnight winds will continue to be disruptive at 80 to 120 km/hr in parts of east Ulster and north Leinster to about mid-day before easing to northwest 40-70 km/hr, with temperatures slowly dropping to about 5 C, 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.

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 then a drying trend, highs each day near 12 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Another windy and potentially very windy interval by Monday 27th, with temperatures steadily falling back to 3-6 C and a return to mixed or wintry showers.

My local weather on Monday was pleasant enough, mostly cloudy with some sunny breaks, and rather mild at 11 C. A much colder interval lies ahead by later this week. Heavy rain has been falling all day in central California and appears likely to continue today. No word on anything too drastic in terms of flooding although news coverage shows basically shallow flooding all over the central valley region. Meanwhile, record warmth has spread into most eastern regions.

M.T. Cranium · 22-02-2017 07:55AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 22-02-2017 10:25PM

Update -- Storm warning for Overnight 22-23 February 2017

The centre of the storm ("Doris") is now rapidly developing west of Ireland around 19 W, and will track through north Connacht and south Ulster overnight, then across the Irish Sea probably close to the Isle of Man entering Britain near Preston (Lancs) by morning and exiting near Hull on the east coast by mid-day. A swath of damaging winds is likely to develop at some point later tonight about 100-200 kms wide and mainly to the south of this track.

By late evening, expect very strong westerly winds in Galway Bay gusting to about 110 or 120 km/hr. By midnight to 0200h, expect gale to storm force northwest veering to north winds on the north Mayo coast and across Donegal Bay. Inland parts of Connacht that are well exposed to the northwest can expect some locally damaging gusts around midnight to 0300h.

Although regions further south are likely to have more moderate wind speeds, be aware that local squall activity could produce localized damaging wind streaks anywhere in the country overnight.

As the low tracks through inland Ulster, strongest winds are likely to shift to central counties and there may be some decrease in wind speeds for a time, but when the centre emerges into the north Irish Sea or southwest Scotland then very strong northwest winds will spread rapidly across most of east Ulster and north Leinster with potential for gusts to 130 km/hr. This will likely be around 0400h to 0800h during the morning commute period. Trees could be toppled by winds of this strength. The worst of this windstorm is probably going to be a little north of Dublin but it's really "too close to call" and the best policy would be to expect the worst and hope for the best in areas that are not quite in the storm's main path. With more certainty I would say that Meath, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, and almost all parts of Northern Ireland (especially Antrim, Armagh and Down) will see local wind damage from this storm.

Eventually the very strong winds will begin to subside around daybreak on the west coast and mid-day east and at that point the storm will be raging through central England and north Wales.

As to rainfall, that will likely continue at moderate to heavy intensity in central and northern regions until the storm's cold front passes, then for most it will turn more showery but north Ulster could remain in heavy rain that becomes sleety or mixes with snow inland.

I am going to keep a very close eye on this event, watch for any updates, and the radar will be your friend in terms of identifying local squally wind potential, that part is always more hit or miss and I suspect there will be some isolated damaging wind streaks well south of the main storm zone.

M.T. Cranium · 23-02-2017 05:41AM

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.

M.T. Cranium · 24-02-2017 08:17AM

Friday, 24 February, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some morning sunny intervals for eastern counties, mostly cloudy west with a few light showers, generally turning milder with highs reaching about 8 to 10 C east, 10 to 12 C west. Winds light to moderate southerly this morning increasing to 40-60 km/hr south to southwest by afternoon.

TONIGHT ... Intervals of rain, 3-7 mm on average, lows 5-8 C.

SATURDAY ... Morning showery rain giving way to partly cloudy skies, moderate southwest winds and highs 10-12 C.

SUNDAY ... Rain during the early morning may become sleety on hills in Connacht and west Ulster, then variable cloud and turning colder with winds veering westerly and picking up to 40-70 km/hr. Early morning temperatures will be higher at about 10 C than later in the day (5-7 C).

MONDAY and TUESDAY will see a return to rather cold and unsettled weather with some intervals of sleety rain likely, some wintry showers and snow on hills. Highs will struggle to reach 7 or 8 C at best, slight frosts inland each night.

The longer term outlook continues to be rather cold too, with any warmer spells very brief, temperatures in early March appear set to average about a degree or two below average, with highs generally in the 7 to 10 C range.

My local weather on Friday was sunny and cold. There is a weak front moving south bringing snow showers of about 1-2 cms overnight and then the weekend will continue very cold for time of year. The eastern half of North America meanwhile continues to enjoy April-like warmth.

M.T. Cranium · 25-02-2017 08:17AM

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).

M.T. Cranium · 26-02-2017 03:08AM

Update -- Sunday, 26 February, 2017 -- 0200h

This note is just for anyone looking in between 0200h and the normal morning forecast at 0700h. There has been a warning issued for "storm Ewan" with potential for strong and even damaging gusts in the southeast later today. I had a look at guidance and at the moment I can only sign on for 80 km/hr gusting to 110 km/hr in coastal Wexford, Waterford and nearby offshore marine areas. It looks like a peak of 70 km/hr gusting to 90 km/hr in other parts of the south and east. I will certainly keep a close eye on guidance and marine observations west of France overnight and see if the morning forecast needs a further upgrade.

By the way, new moon later today, no eclipse in the northern hemisphere, but an annular solar eclipse visible in parts of the southern hemisphere.

M.T. Cranium · 26-02-2017 08:45AM

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.

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

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