Strong winds and possible severe thunderstorms developing late today (Sat 4th July)

Current guidance has intensified the dynamics for a cold front and following area of unstable westerly flow about to arrive on the west coast around 5-7 p.m. today (Sat 4th July).

While the actual cold front may be dry at least along much of its length, following secondary fronts and/or troughs could become active in a strong westerly flow associated with an unusually tight jet stream developing over the central to eastern Atlantic at the present time. This will be over Ireland by this evening and overnight.

Wind gusts to 120 km/hr are possible in exposed areas and the windy interval may last for quite some time once the cold front develops and passes by. Temperatures are likely to hold rather mild for a time then drop sharply perhaps with a secondary front passage later tonight.

The main concern is for Connacht, Clare, Donegal and parts of northern Ireland but I expect this to translate rapidly to the east coast and produce some unusually blustery conditions even in central Leinster around midnight and at times on Sunday morning to mid-day. Given that trees are in full leaf, minor wind damage may be widespread.

Secure loose objects today as they could easily go on an unscheduled voyage overnight or Sunday morning when you won't enjoy being outside nearly as much (it may be pleasantly warm for a while today before this front gets closer to the country).

Met.ie have a level one wind warning in place. I could actually foresee some isolated level two (orange) conditions developing in exposed coastal and higher terrain.