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

Sunday, 17 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Partly cloudy with showers slowly becoming more widespread, and highs around 15 C. Moderate southwest winds 40-70 km/hr. Heavier showers by afternoon in Connacht (5-10 mm).

TONIGHT ... Periods of heavier rain likely (10-15 mm), lows 7-9 C.

MONDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy for much of the day and turning somewhat colder, with frequent showers, risk of some thunder with hail by afternoon, highs only 12-14 C. Moderate west to northwest winds 40-60 km/hr.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY will continue rather cool and moderately windy from the north-northwest, gusts to 70 km/hr in west coastal counties. Lows about 4-6 C and highs 11-13C. Showers will be more frequent and blustery on Tuesday.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY are now looking not as wet as earlier projected although showery at times, with an improvement in temperatures as a result, to about 14-16 C. This improving outlook seems to be making headway into the following weekend with more indications of high pressure and some sunny intervals now, highs 15-17 C.

My local weather on Saturday was cloudy but quite pleasant with a few brief sunny breaks and highs near 19 C.

Tuesday, 19 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Breezy and very cool with showers more frequent in western counties, about 3-5 mm on average there, 1-3 mm elsewhere, highs about 10 to 12 C. Winds NW 50-80 km/hr in exposed areas. One or two of these showers could produce hail and thunder.

TONIGHT ... Showers increasingly confined to western coastal regions then ending with partial clearing, cool. Lows 2-5 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Some slight improvement although continued breezy with isolated showers, and afternoon highs 11-14 C. Winds westerly 40-60 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, not as cool, lows 3-5 C then highs near 17 C. More cloud is likely in northwestern counties and drizzle or light rain could brush outer coasts.

FRIDAY ... Increasing cloud, a few showers mainly in northern areas, lows about 7 C and highs near 16 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy north with a few intervals of light rain, partly cloudy south, highs generally 15-17 C.

SUNDAY ... Sunny intervals, near normal temperatures, highs 15-18 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Next week now appears fairly settled and perhaps even a bit warmer near 20 C.

My local weather on a holiday Monday was sunny and very warm with a high near 24 C. There were impressive cumulonimbus clouds over the north shore mountains but these were drifting slowly northwest away from us. Areas well to the north have had some early forest fires due to lightning strikes over the past week.

Thursday, 21 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Partly cloudy, warmer, moderate southwest winds, some brief showery rain possible across northern counties but amounts generally less than 2 mm, and some sunshine at times in south. Highs 15-17 C.

TONIGHT ... Becoming overcast with a few showers, lows 8-10 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy with light rain at times in north, partly cloudy south, rather warm and humid, highs 15-18 C.

SATURDAY ... Sunny intervals, pleasant. Lows 5-8 C and highs 15-19 C. Showers by evening near western coasts.

SUNDAY ... Occasional overnight and morning showers eventually clearing to southeast then breezy to windy (WNW 50-80 km/hr) and turning slightly cooler, lows 9-11 C and highs 13-15 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers, breezy (W 40-60 km/hr), lows about 7 C and highs about 14 C.

TUESDAY ... Warmer again with some sunshine at times, highs 18-21 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Mostly cloudy later in the week, increasing chances of rain with a spell of heavier rain possible around Friday or the weekend (timing and details a bit uncertain this far in advance, would expect a rather active frontal system by 29th-30th).

My local weather was sunny and very warm again on Wednesday, highs were close to 25 C. Temperatures are actually below normal further south in the desert southwest states, but about the same as here. Their normals are about 35 C, ours more like 18 C.

Saturday, 23 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Hazy sunshine at times, warm, although increasing cloud may lead to patchy drizzle or light rain in parts of Connacht. Highs 15-19 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers or periods of rain developing, winds increasing to westerly 50-70 km/hr, lows 8-10 C. About 5 mm of rain is expected. It will already be starting to clear in parts of the northwest by early daylight hours.

SUNDAY ... The overnight rain will continue for a few hours in southeast counties but clearing will be rapid elsewhere in gusty winds from W to NW at 50-80 km/hr. It will be fresher and not as warm with highs 13-15 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers, breezy (W 40-60 km/hr), lows about 7 C and highs about 16 C.

TUESDAY ... Warmer again with some sunshine at times, lows 5-7 C and highs 18-21 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Showers or periods of rain, highs near 17 C.

THURSDAY ... Windy, cooler with passing showers, highs near 14 C.

FRIDAY ... Rain at times, highs near 15 C.

My local weather on Friday was just a touch cooler mainly due to a stronger sea breeze. Cloud in the morning gave way to more bright sunshine, and heavy storms could be seen well to the north and east again.

Monday, 25 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, patchy light rain or drizzle at times mostly near western coasts. Highs 14-16 C.

TONIGHT ... Misty or overcast, lows 6-9 C.

TUESDAY ... Some morning sunshine more frequent in south, then becoming overcast, rather warm with highs 14-17 C north and 17-20 C south.

WEDNESDAY ... Showers or longer intervals of rain (10-20 mm likely), lows about 10 C and highs about 15 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy, cooler, a few showers, lows 5-7 C and highs 12-14 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers but dry intervals, highs 13-15 C.

SATURDAY ... Rain now seems likely and it could become heavy at times by late in the day. Rather strong winds could develop (SE becoming SW'ly) and highs will be held down by the cloud and rain to about 14 or 15 C.

SUNDAY ... Breezy or windy, rather cool with passing showers although some clearing later, highs near 14 C.

OUTLOOK ... The current charts for early June look quite dismal, but at least we will get this out of the way before most people have their holiday time, trying to put as positive a spin on it as I can.

My local weather on Sunday was overcast with a few brief sunny breaks, and the high was about 15 C. There have been heavy storms further inland here all weekend with considerable damage done by flooding and mudslides. Not even a hint of that here, just a few raindrops during Saturday mid-day.

Wednesday, 27 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Increasing cloud across east and south this morning, as rain gradually spreads into west and north, then becomes heavier by afternoon and covers all regions, bringing 15-20 mm of rain. Highs 14-16 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain tapering off to showers then clearing (this will happen during the evening in Atlantic coastal regions, around midnight further east). Becoming rather windy (WSW 50-70 km/hr) with lows 5-8 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy or windy (WNW 50-70 km/hr) and cool with passing showers, more frequent mid-day and afternoon. Only 3-5 mm with this event, and highs 12-15 C.

FRIDAY ... Periods of rain during the early morning, some mid-day clearing then further showers by evening. Breezy, rather cool with lows 5-8 C and highs 13-16 C.

SATURDAY ... A dry start to the day still appears possible especially for eastern counties, then increasing cloud and strengthening winds from southeast veering southwest, rain by afternoon or evening becoming heavy overnight. Morning lows 6-9 C, afternoon highs 14-17 C. The late and overnight rainfalls will be 20-30 mm.

SUNDAY ... Morning showers with some breaks in the overcast at times but further showers or periods of rain by afternoon and evening, breezy and cool, lows 5-7 C and highs 12-15 C.

MONDAY ... Windy and cool with showers or periods of rain, 15-30 mm possible, temperatures steady 11-13 C north, 13-15 C south. Winds southwest veering to west 60-90 km/hr, risk of even higher gusts by evening or early Tuesday morning in parts of northwest as deep low pressure more typical of early spring or autumn is expected to pass north of Donegal into Scotland. However, some guidance suggests the strong winds may be confined to the south coast. It all depends on the track of this deepening low, but whatever the exact details, it will probably be a rather unpleasant and even somewhat stormy day.

TUESDAY ... Continued windy and showery with gusts to 80 km/hr possible, winds becoming northwest to north and it may be a struggle for temperatures to maintain even a steady 11-14 C, they could fall to 8-10 C in parts of the north.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... At least there is some hope of improvement with most of the guidance showing a more settled pattern by 3-5 June and temperatures possibly slightly above average reaching about 20-22 C. This change may be gradual over the middle to end of the week.

My local weather was mostly cloudy with some weak sunshine at times through layers of high cloud, but it became warmer again with highs of about 20 C.

Friday, 29 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Rain clearing the southeast this morning, some dry intervals in a gusty west to northwest wind (40-70 km/hr), further showers with some becoming quite heavy and thundery over inland northern and central counties this afternoon. Highs between 11 and 14 C from north to south.

TONIGHT ... Some clearing, foggy over inland valleys, cool with lows about 5 to 8 C. Not as windy.

SATURDAY ... An hour or two of sunshine for some lucky folk in eastern counties but cloud will advance rapidly, winds will pick up steadily from the southeast before veering to southwest by late in the day, and rain will sweep in during the mid-day period over west Munster, reaching the east coast by about sunset. Highs 13-16 C, winds gusting to 80 km/hr by evening.

SATURDAY NIGHT into SUNDAY the rain will be heavy at times overnight and counting what falls Saturday in the west, totals will be about 20-25 mm. Gusty winds will continue although somewhat reduced in strength by mid-day Sunday, southwest 40-70 km/hr. Skies will become partly cloudy at times on Sunday with further showers developing, steadier rain possible in some parts of the north. Temperatures will be steady around 12 C north and 14 C south.

MONDAY will be windy at times, quite chilly for the first day of June, and wet, rain possibly heavy by afternoon and evening when winds may subside for a while. The battle of the models turned out to be more or less tied with some aspects of both scenarios. However, it appears likely to become very windy by Monday evening. About 30 mm of rain could fall, and winds from the south to southwest will veer westerly, increasing from about 50 km/hr to near 80 km/hr with gusts to 100 km/hr possible in exposed west coast locations. Temperatures will be steady in the range of 11 to 13 C (9 to 11 C higher parts of the north).

TUESDAY will start out very windy and showery, but slight improvement will arrive by afternoon as winds will gradually lose their gale force, with morning gusts to near 90 km/hr reduced to 50 km/hr by afternoon. Temperatures continuing steady in the range of 7 to 11 C but it could reach 13 C inland west by late afternoon.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY appear somewhat improved with some outbreaks of drizzle or light rain at times, other intervals dry, and temperatures back into the more normal 17-19 C range with chance of the warmest locations reaching about 20 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for one of those interesting scenarios where very warm air from the continent tries to advance towards Ireland but a trough near the Irish Sea forces that up and over cooler Atlantic air. The results could be some heavy showers or even thunderstorms, but very warm and humid air could reach some eastern counties at least, if not further west eventually. These details (for a period still eight to ten days away) will slowly come into better focus next week.

The general theme for BRITAIN will be almost the same as above although it will actually be cold enough in higher parts of Scotland for sleet or snow to fall on Monday and Tuesday. I don't think that's going to happen in any part of Ireland except maybe the very top of a few of the highest mountains.

Across most of the United States and southern Canada, temperatures have risen to rather warm levels but parts of central Canada are in a much colder arctic air mass and some snow fell earlier Thursday in Manitoba. It was sunny and very warm on the west coast and we had a high near 29 C.

Sunday, 31 May, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with brief sunny intervals, passing showers that may contain hail and produce some thunder at times, with winds westerly 50-80 km/hr and temperatures very cool for the end of May, no higher than 12 or 13 C for most. About 3-5 mm rain on average.

TONIGHT ... Although mostly cloudy, fewer showers and lows 4-7 C, moderate winds from southwest will remain blustery near exposed coasts.

MONDAY ... For eastern counties, a dry if cloudy start, then rising winds and heavy rain already into western regions reaching the east coast around mid-day, with very chilly south to southwest gales 60-90 km/hr. Afternoon highs about 12 or 13 C (possibly only 9-11 C inland north). A further 15 to 25 mm of rain likely.

TUESDAY ... Continued windy and cool with further showers or periods of rain (10-15 mm) with any improvements mainly confined to south. Highs could reach about 16 C there, but still only 11-13 C north. Rain may once again become rather heavy in north-central counties.

WEDNESDAY ... A mixture of cloud and sunshine with just a few isolated showers in north, highs 15-18 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, warmer, highs near 20 C.

FRIDAY ... Showers and risk of a thunderstorm, highs near 18 C.

OUTLOOK ... Showers and considerably cooler for Saturday (14 C) but improvements should rapidly follow and the week of 8th-12th looks more seasonable for mid-June although certainly not a totally dry or hot week, just near normal conditions with highs generally 18-21 C.

For BRITAIN, the above forecast will generally apply with even colder temperatures in parts of Scotland leading to a risk of sleety mixed precipitation on some higher ground at times Monday-Tuesday, but when the disturbance on Friday moves in, very warm air (23-26 C) could flood north from France (the previous idea about southeast winds has shifted somewhat to more of a southerly) and thunderstorms could then become heavy or severe in parts of southern England by Friday evening. There remains some chance that southeast Ireland could get in on some of this activity, stay tuned.

My local weather on Saturday was sunny and warm with highs near 25 C.

Tuesday, 2 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


Astronomy note: Full moon occurs later today at 5:16 p.m., a few hours before the moon rises low in the southeast this evenng. Saturn can be found to the right of the moon, brighter Jupiter and Venus are visible in the western sky after sunset.

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, intervals of light rain or drizzle becoming less frequent across the south but rather steady in the north with 3-5 mm expected, moderate westerly winds occasionally gusting to 70 km/hr. Highs will reach about 13 C north, 16 C south.

TONIGHT ... Cloud will begin to break across the south so that lows will be colder there (3-6 C) than in most of the north (7-9 C). Moderate westerly winds will continue.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers, highs near 17 C.

THURSDAY ... Sunny intervals, increasing cloud for west and north, light rain by late afternoon near Atlantic coasts but generally dry elsewhere, warmer daytime (lows 4-7 C, then highs 17-20 C).

FRIDAY ... Early morning showers or thunderstorms, then partly cloudy, a few more showers or isolated thunderstorms possible, morning lows 8-10 C and afternoon highs 15-18 C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy, occasional showers, highs near 14 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Most guidance is presenting an improving pattern with higher pressure slowly building to the north, but it may be rather cool at first until wind directions turn more to the southeast during the week. However, I am a bit hesitant to make any sweeping guarantees of a dry spell since some guidance appears to keep an unsettled theme in play, perhaps because of the background uncertainty raised by the widespread colder than normal sea surface temperatures. It's not the leading models with this element of doubt, so the odds are about 3 to 1 in favour of a dry spell developing. If it does, highs should start in the mid-teens and work up towards 21 or 22 C at least away from the cooler east and south coasts. The inland west and even the Atlantic coast would be most likely to see the higher values.

See yesterday's discussion for thoughts on Britain and North America, these remain valid. My local weather on Monday was overcast with a bit of light rain and a cooler southeast wind than we've felt recently, highs were about 17 C.

Thursday, 4 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with outbreaks of light rain mainly across northern and western counties. Amounts will be around 3-5 mm. The south and east are more likely to remain dry with just trace amounts of rain possible, and there could be brief sunny intervals. Highs will range from 13-15 C in the west and north, to 16-18 C in the south and east.

TONIGHT ... Showers and risk of a brief thunderstorm, moderate south to southwest winds developing, lows 11-13 C east, 9-11 C west. Rainfall about 5 to 10 mm.

FRIDAY ... Breezy, intervals of cloud and sunshine, passing showers mostly confined to north and west, some risk of hail or thunder there, but it could become mostly sunny in some parts of the south and east. Winds southwest at about 40-60 km/hr. Highs 14-17 C. (Risk of more severe thunderstorms and highs 21-24 C in parts of southern Britain)

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy, cooler, passing showers, some with hail and thunder. Rainfall amounts generally 2-5 mm. Morning lows 5-8 C and afternoon highs 13-15 C.

SUNDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, rather cool in northerly breezes, isolated showers mostly in Connacht. Lows 3-7 C and highs 13-16 C.

NEXT WEEK looks dry and there should be some sunshine each day, probably longer intervals in west as the northeast breezes may bring in considerable cloud from the Irish Sea (and leftover from the North Sea). The west will also be warmer as a result, with highs slowly climbing towards 21 C. The east will stay in the mid-teens. Towards the end of the week, as winds become more southeasterly, some shower or even thunderstorm activity could spread into a few parts of Munster but it appears more likely to stay dry in other regions.

My local weather on Wednesday was overcast but with some sun getting through and feeling warm and humid at about 21 C.

Saturday, 6 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Rather windy and cool with passing showers, some of them quite heavy with hail and thunder, but on average about 3-7 mm of rain can be expected in most places. Highs 13-16 C from north to south, and winds WSW slowly veering to WNW 50-70 km/hr with risk of some higher gusts during the showers. There will be some sunshine in the mix also.

TONIGHT ... Gradual clearing although staying overcast near north coasts, lows 3-6 C with the lowest values likely to be in the inland south and east.

SUNDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, isolated showers mostly near northern coasts, and afternoon highs 13-16 C in moderate northwesterly breezes.

MONDAY-TUESDAY should be largely dry, more cloud than sun for parts of Ulster and north Leinster, about an equal mix elsewhere, and just some very patchy drizzle or isolated showers in the flow from the Atlantic and Irish Sea in north to northeast winds reaching 30-50 km/hr at times. Lows very chilly for time of year (2-5 C) and highs about 14-17 C, warmest in the inland southwest.

WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY are likely to become slightly warmer although still rather cool at night, and there may be somewhat more sunshine for many, as winds become more light and variable in a weaker northeast flow. Highs will be about 15 C east to 19 C west. There could be an interval of showers around Thursday afternoon or evening with a weak front when winds are likely to pick up rather steadily again from the north backing to northwest as low pressure moves up through southeast England.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for a somewhat cooler air mass to build in from the west with moderate northwest to north winds returning, highs may be held down to around 14 C and there could be brief showers near northern and western coasts. This pattern will continue with rather slight variations from cooler, showery days to partly cloudy, generally dry days. Overall the month looks a bit on the cool side of average although not every day.

My local weather on Friday was sunny and very warm with a high near 26 C. Partly because I am heading further inland for the weekend, I am expecting it to be very hot (32-35 C). I should get a forecast posted Sunday morning but if not, will return on Monday.

Monday, 8 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


Astronomy note: With clear evenings possible all week, have a look in the western sky after sunset and you'll find very bright Venus as well as Jupiter, looking similar but not quite as bright. While that's interesting enough, these two planets will appear to converge at the end of June, staying visible until about the middle of July before both of them take separate paths towards conjunctions with the Sun (Jupiter is heading behind but Venus in front from our perspective).

TODAY ... Sunny intervals with considerable mid-day cloud over north, more of a mixture for central counties and it could be mostly sunny near the south coast. Highs about 12 C north to 15 C central, 17 C south in moderate north to northeast breezes.

TONIGHT ... Cloud gradually thinning out, clear after midnight in some areas, cool. Lows 2-6 C.

TUESDAY ... Under partly cloudy to sunny skies, afternoon highs will be similar to today in the north but a little higher elsewhere, ranging from 12 C north to 18 C in some parts of the south and west to about Galway. The east coast will have local sea breezes that may drop temperatures to near 14 C but otherwise breezes will be lighter except near exposed coasts.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, lows 3-7 C and highs 14-19 C with the warmer readings in south Connacht and west Munster. Light winds will make it feel quite warm in the sun.

THURSDAY ... Increasing cloud, lows 5-8 C and highs 14-18 C. Risk of a few showers by evening in moderate northwest winds. (If you're travelling to France, a low near their west coast may bring heavy rain and thunderstorms which would be firing up late Wednesday and continuing).

FRIDAY ... Some cloud and showery light rain may push gradually southward but skies further south may stay partly cloudy and highs will range from 13 C north to 17 C south. As the week progresses, we'll be keeping an eye on an area of heavy rain expected to be heading past the southeast counties of Ireland, from Biscay towards Britain, if that happens to choose a path further west then Wexford and some other counties could see some of it, but so far it looks set to miss by about a hundred miles. It will be a rather wet day in Britain as a result, though.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... At this point, the best guess would be cloudy with sunny intervals, a few showers here or there, and temperatures either below or near normal values in the 14-17 C range, with nights around 7-9 C. This could improve or get somewhat worse depending on how stubborn the low pressure complex over Britain becomes late in the week. Also, there's a weak secondary system lurking to the northwest that wants to take a leisurely tour of Ireland and Britain early to mid-week after the weekend, and that could turn into spells of heavy showers in some areas with temperatures mid-teens. Beyond that, improvemernts could be steady and another dry, reasonably warm spell could develop later next week (around the 18th to 20th).

As you see, I am going to blend some of the Britain forecast highlights into these forecasts because it's summer and a lot of people are on the go. But as for North America, right now most of the continent is quite warm, the west is hot and dry, the southeast and east central U.S. hot and humid, but it's somewhat cooler over the upper Great Lakes and the front is setting off heavy storms across the lower Great Lakes and Ohio valley. These will move to the east coast later today. ... My local weather on Sunday was sunny and near-record hot at about 32 C (closer to 25 C by the sea). A very weak front will move through late today and I'm hoping it generates some photo-worthy storm clouds over the nearby mountains, but it may just be a dry windshift.

Wednesday, 10 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, somewhat warmer again with highs 18-20 C in south and west, 13-15 C north and east.

TONIGHT ... Mostly clear although increasing high cloud in south, slightly milder than past nights as an easterly breeze will keep the air moving, lows about 5-8 C.

THURSDAY ... Mist or fog patches dissipating, then some morning sunshine with increasing cloud, becoming rather windy (E-NE 40-60 km/hr) by afternoon across the south coastal counties, rain by evening extending into parts of Munster and south Leinster. Highs 15-17 C although could be closer to 19 C in parts of Connacht.

FRIDAY ... Rain with possible embedded thunderstorms in parts of the south and east but partly cloudy elsewhere, about 10-15 mm rainfalls for much of the south and east while the current dry spell may continue in other regions, at least through the daytime hours. Highs about 16 C north but could be held to 13-14 C in rain further south, unless some breaks develop to allow a few sunny breaks.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Further weak disturbances will form in a generally east to northeast wind flow, leading to scattered outbreaks of light rain, but there will be some sunny intervals too. Highs will remain around 14 or 15 C in the east, 16 to 19 C west. The guidance is somewhat scattered and estimated amounts of rainfall vary from 20 mm in some parts of the south to 5 mm in Connacht and west Ulster, with a range of about 5-10 mm on those estimates.

NEXT WEEK ... Models are generally liking next week, with general indications of clearing through Monday then relatively warm (20-23 C) sunny days later in the week but as I mentioned yesterday, I hope the cold Atlantic doesn't decide to spoil their party and add some form of cloud or moisture to this pattern. It could then end up more like 17-19 C and slightly unsettled. Can the models be wrong at six or seven days? That question has been answered quite a few times, but then they can also be right so keep your fingers crossed.

Over in BRITAIN the themes are similar, the Friday rainfall now seems more likely to take a path into western and central portions of England, and Wales, then into southeast Scotland. It may turn out quite warm and humid in southeast England for Friday, and the first part of Saturday (23-24 C) with risk of a heavy thunderstorm in places.

The pattern continues very warm in many parts of North America and there is only a slight cooling trend in the west due to slight increases in the seabreeze intensity. With that in mind, Tuesday here was almost the same kind of day as the past two but the high was cut back to 26 C. This evening it has felt very comfortable at about 17 C. If you're heading for the eastern U.S. expect hot and humid conditions and highs of 32-34 C.

Friday, 12 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Mostly cloudy but with a few sunny breaks especially in northern counties and possibly near the east coast. Morning showery rainfalls of 5-8 mm in parts of Munster and south Connacht will probably dissipate around mid-day and after that there may be just isolated showers in parts of the northwest. Winds northeast 30-50 km/hr will also become somewhat variable, highs will reach 15-17 C in most places.

TONIGHT ... Partial clearing across the north, remaining cloudy in the south with risk of some rain or even a thunderstorm brushing the southeast coastal regions (this is not certain, the rain may hover just offshore most of the time). Mild with lows 10-13 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny intervals developing, winds northerly but converging from northeast across Irish Sea, northwest on Atlantic coasts. This may lead to some showers in central regions, which have some slight risk of becoming thundery. However, many places will likely have a mainly dry day and highs will be 14-16 C.

SUNDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, still a slight risk of showers in Leinster and east Munster. Lows 8-11 C and highs 15-19 C.

MONDAY and TUESDAY will probably be mostly sunny and quite warm, especially Tuesday. Highs near 19 or 20 C Monday, 22 to 24 C is possible on Tuesday away from cooler coasts (southerly breezes by then would mean that the south coast may run cooler than the east coast this time).

By WEDNESDAY there could be a few showers along a rather weak cold front dropping south and causing temperatures to fall back to about 18 C.

However, another pleasant spell could then follow with highs back around 20 or 21 C. It's going to take a week or two of this kind of weather to bring the month back to normal as right now the average is about 1.5 deg below average despite the recent warmth.

Somewhat heavier rainfalls are likely in BRITAIN on Friday night and Saturday but these might take a path that avoids the southeast until later Saturday. Locally heavy falls are possible in north Wales and parts of northwest England.

Across the U.S. and southern Canada, most places had a warmer than average day with some locally severe storms in the Ohio valley and developing across the Rockies. My local weather continues to be quite summer-like with another full day of sunshine on Thursday and highs near 24 C.

Sunday, 14 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy intervals but with some sun getting through as most of the cloud will be mid-level or higher layers, and just a slight risk of isolated showers, most places will remain dry. Highs 15-19 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloud thinning but with some fog and mist patches developing in valleys, lows 6-9 C.

MONDAY will become partly to mostly sunny with highs 18-21 C.

TUESDAY looks even warmer with potential for highs to reach 21-23 C away from somewhat cooler south and west coasts. Skies will be sunny except for some low cloud or fog patches near those cooler coastlines. Cloud may spread across Ulster and north Connacht by afternoon. Moderate south to southwest breezes will develop (30-50 km/hr).

WEDNESDAY, there will be a few showers along a rather weak cold front dropping south and causing temperatures to fall back to about 18 C. Rainfall about 5-10 mm in parts of the north, 2-5 mm south where highs may reach about 21 C before the cloud thickens. Moderate westerly winds at times, with gusts to about 60 km/hr.

THURSDAY will bring partly cloudy to sunny skies and somewhat warmer highs again, around 20 or 21 C.

FRIDAY 19th to SUNDAY 21st will bring partly cloudy skies and near normal temperatures with an increasing risk of a few showers in a southwest to west wind flow. Highs will be about 18-21 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There is some chance of a cooler, briefly unsettled interlude around Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd as most of the guidance shows low pressure tracking east across some part of Ireland (the emphasis seems to be south rather than north). If this verifies highs may fall back to the mid-teens for a few days. However, it may fade out of the outlook before we get that far, or turn into something more organized.


My local weather on Saturday was sunny with a pleasant cooling breeze and highs near 22 C. This past evening was clear and I just got back from a nice viewing of the setting Venus and Jupiter, which you might want to check out any clear evening about an hour after sunset, in the western sky. Saturn is also easy to spot, it's off to the southeast about that same time and is brighter than various stars although Spica (which is between Saturn and Jupiter in the south around 10:30-11:00 p.m.) is almost as bright. The moon will be absent from the sky for a few days as it's new moon on the 16th. You won't be able to see this last detail, but Mars will be behind the Sun today as we're on opposite sides of the solar system at this point.

Tuesday, 16 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


Astronomy note: New moon occurs today at 3:05 p.m. IST, no eclipse as the Moon passes a considerable distance above the Sun.

TODAY ... Warm and humid with frequent cloudy intervals in west and north and highs 17-19 C, with some light rain possible by afternoon around Donegal Bay, but partly cloudy in east and south, highs 20-22 C except near 15 C on parts of the south coast where sea fog may come and go.

TONIGHT ... Outbreaks of light rain in northern counties, overcast and very mild elsewhere with some mist or fog patches, lows 12-15 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Intervals of rain setting in before dawn across Ulster and north Connacht may spread further south by mid-day (possibly just beyond a Galway to Dublin line by afternoon) bringing about 3-7 mm rainfalls, and it will turn slightly cooler in most regions except the south. Highs about 16 C north to 21 C south. Moderate westerly winds will develop with gusts to 60 km/hr.

THURSDAY ... A few remnant showers in the morning mostly inland south, but otherwise generally a dry day and becoming partly to mostly sunny except for persistent cloud in the north and near the south coast, highs 18-20 C.

FRIDAY ... Partly cloudy, pleasantly warm with highs near 20 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, a few showers in northern and some central counties, highs near 18 C.

SUNDAY ... Breezy to windy, turning cooler with showers and bright spells, winds northwest 40-70 km/hr, highs near 16 C. Rainfalls of about 5 mm expected.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Remaining rather unsettled and cool for a few days in the following week (22nd to 26th) with highs generally 15-19 C. Rainfalls of about 20 mm could develop.

The forecasts for BRITAIN will be generally similar if perhaps a degree or two warmer in southern England. Across eastern North America, very warm and humid with some severe storms in parts of the Great Lakes and inland northeast states. Tropical Storm Bill has formed overnight and will soon move into central Texas with heavy rainfalls to the right of its track over eastern Texas moving into Oklahoma tonight and Wednesday. Peak winds will only be around 100 km/hr but flooding rainfalls may be more of a concern. Meanwhile the far west continues very warm and dry. My local weather on Monday was sunny and hot with highs near 30 C.

Thursday, 18 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, just isolated light showers with many locations remaining dry. Highs 16-19 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, lows near 10 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, a few showers developing mostly in parts of Connacht and west Munster. Highs 17-20 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few showers with 3-7 mm rainfalls on average, but significant dry intervals in the mix, lows 8-11 C and highs 15-18 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, somewhat cooler again with lows around 7 and highs 13-17 C.

MONDAY into WEDNESDAY ... Guidance is now somewhat scattered but a general theme of slow-moving low pressure systems and potential for rain at times, with the west and south apparently favoured for heavier amounts ... some guidance maintains a dry interval mid-week ... most indications suggest temperatures a little below the seasonal normals, highs 15-18 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Little change seems likely once we get into a slightly more unsettled pattern this may persist for a while. It won't be the worst weather for this time of year but certainly far from picture perfect too.

Nothing very different for Britain in this forecast period. Rain heavier in the south than elsewhere when it does materialize.

Meanwhile, the remnants of Tropical Storm Bill have drenched Dallas-Fort Worth and region with over 100 mm of rain and are now heading through central Oklahoma not yet letting up. These are all areas that don't really need any excessive rainfall after a near-record wet spring. Severe storms are firing along another front further north in the plains states. Meanwhile it remains dry and rather warm across the west and extremely hot in the desert southwest. My local weather on Wednesday was sunny with highs near 22 C. Sunset was very colourful in part due to smoke from distant forest fires and nearby smaller fires -- we even saw a truck load of wood chips on fire in an industrial park. The U.S. Open Golf is not that far away down in western Washington state and the forecast for there will include mostly dry weather although it could sprinkle with rain at times on Friday. Temperatures will warm up on the weekend to about 28-30 C.

Saturday, 20 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy this morning in most parts, a few light showers, then partly cloudy around mid-day and through the afternoon, still rather humid with highs near 20 C south, 17 C north.

TONIGHT ... A few showers developing in moderate westerly winds, lows about 8-10 C.

SUNDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, passing showers, slightly cooler in west to northwest breezes 30-50 km/hr. Highs 15-18 C.

MONDAY ... Early morning periods of rain across Munster should fade around mid-day, partly cloudy elsewhere with isolated showers, winds becoming more northerly and somewhat on the cool side with lows 8-10 C and highs 14-17 C.

TUESDAY ... Partial clearing, lows 7-9 C and highs 17-20 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Increasing cloud, possible showers or periods of light rain across some western regions, lows 6-9 C and highs 17-20 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few showers, lows 7-10 C and highs 16-19 C.

FRIDAY ... Periods of rain or showers, lows 10-12 C and highs 17-20 C, high humidity levels in a southerly to southwesterly breeze.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Near the end of June it may become just a bit warmer and another dry spell may develop. Current charts suggest highs near 22 C with potential for 24 C in a few places.

This rather bland weather outlook will be similar for Britain. Across North America, many places are running warmer than average while the remnants of "Bill" (they track him still) have reached Kentucky and Ohio where 25-50 mm rainfalls are still possible as Bill brought a full load with him, apparently. By contrast, we are having the driest June I can remember around the west coast and even today's passing shower clouds which looked promising managed to drop only a few sprinkles of trace amounts of rain, with highs near 23 C. If you're watching the U.S. Open Golf expect two very sunny and warm days over the weekend with a stronger breeze by Sunday blowing down the hills -- should make for a rather wild finish.

Sunday, 21 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland

Astronomy note: Summer solstice occurs today at 5:38 p.m. Irish summer time. While this is the start of astronomical summer, most weather agencies regard the first of June as the onset of summer. Who's right? Interestingly, the warmest quarter of the year is probably a near average of the two, 12 June to 11 September.

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, passing showers, slightly cooler in west to northwest breezes 30-50 km/hr. Highs 15-18 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain will move into parts of Kerry and Cork, bringing 10 mm to southern portions, but most other places will remain dry or just see light drizzly showers with trace to 1 mm amounts. Lows 7-9 C north, 11-13 C south.

MONDAY ... Early morning periods of rain across south coast of Munster should fade before mid-day, partly cloudy to sunny elsewhere with just a few isolated showers mostly in north Connacht and west Ulster, winds becoming more northerly and somewhat on the cool side with highs 14-17 C. It may get a little warmer in the late afternoon and early evening in parts of the southwest.

TUESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, warm, lows 7-9 C and highs 17-21 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Increasing cloud, possible showers or periods of light rain across some western regions, lows 6-9 C and highs 17-21 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few showers, risk of some heavier rain in the northwest, lows 7-10 C and highs 17-21 C.

FRIDAY ... Periods of rain or showers, lows 10-12 C and highs 17-21 C, high humidity levels in a southerly to southwesterly breeze.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The weekend of 27th-28th will probably see similar conditions with further showers, but near the end of June it may become just a bit warmer and another dry spell may develop. Current charts suggest highs near 22 C with potential for 24 C in a few places.

The forecasts for BRITAIN should follow a similar course but the rain brushing the south coast early Monday will then move into southern England and bring some heavy falls to the south coast later Monday.

In NORTH AMERICA, heavy storms will continue and develop further across most of the Great Lakes region and parts of the Midwest and Ohio valley today. Meanwhile, warm and dry in the far west (very hot in the desert southwest). My local weather on Saturday was sunny with a high near 24 C.

Tuesday, 23 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Sunny intervals will develop despite some higher cloud but parts of west Munster will remain mostly cloudy. It should be a mainly dry day with very light winds that will allow various sea breezes to develop. Highs 17-21 C.

TONIGHT ... Becoming overcast with drizzle or light rain at times in western counties, not much accumulation, lows 8-12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Mostly cloudy, a few intervals of light rain (2-5 mm on average), somewhat heavier near Donegal Bay. Highs 15-18 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny intervals, showers, lows near 10 C and highs near 18 C.

FRIDAY ... Breezy, warm and humid, a few showers or periods of rain, lows near 13 C and highs near 19 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Breezy, rather warm, with heavier rain possible around Saturday night or early Sunday. At least with that timing the daytime hours could be reasonably dry. Highs both days 18-20 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There are still indications of quite an active frontal system with heavy rainfall potential around 30 June or 1 July. Beyond that it may turn a bit warmer and less humid.

A similar forecast for most parts of Britain, although quite a bit warmer at times in southern England by this weekend and early next week (24-26 C).

Heavy storms will continue in parts of eastern North America, and very hot and humid conditions in parts of the southeast to mid-Atlantic states. Warm and dry further west. My local weather on Monday was sunny with a few cloudy intervals, with a high near 22 C. Had a look this evening for any sign of the aurora borealis, but had to settle for great views of the stars and planets (and the city as we tried to get a view from a nearby hilltop).

Thursday, 25 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Warm and humid with outbreaks of heavy, possibly thundery rain brushing northwest coastal regions and moving into north Ulster later. These areas could see 15-20 mm in total. Many other locations could remain largely dry with a few brighter intervals developing, but there is potential for isolated showers or thundershowers dropping 2-3 mm or so. Highs 19-22 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with occasional light rain, except more moderate rainfalls may continue to pulse across parts of the northwest. Lows 12-14 C.

FRIDAY ... Warm and humid with a few showers, highs 19-21 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy, outbreaks of light rain in west by mid-day or afternoon, becoming heavier in northwest counties by evening. Not as unsettled for Leinster or east Munster, rather warm again with lows 11-13 C and highs in the 18-21 C range.

SUNDAY ... Early morning rainfalls of 5-10 mm moving across most regions, but a heavier band of possibly thundery rainfall near the south coast by daybreak, then gradual clearing, warm and humid. Lows 13-15 C and highs 19-22 C.

MONDAY to early WEDNESDAY now appear less likely to bring rain than earlier, as systems are slowing down and being held back by rapidly swelling high pressure over the North Sea region. This will promote a warm, southeasterly flow into Ireland that could end with an outbreak of heavy thunderstorms (anywhere from 10 to 40 mm possible with this) especially in the eastern counties by Wednesday or Thursday (1-2 July). Highs will be at least 22-25 C away from cooler coasts during this spell but if the thunderstorm complex proves very active then Thursday could see temperatures held down by widespread low cloud. Eventually another frontal wave will push in from the south around Friday bringing cooler maritime air back in and dropping a further 10-15 mm rain, with temperatures back down to about 18 C.

Meanwhile, the first half of this forecast period will bring similar conditions to BRITAIN but during the warmer interval, hot and humid conditions will probably push into southern regions from France and bring temperatures as high as 29-32 C to parts of inland southern England, 24-27 C Wales and central England. However, details may change closer to the time, about all we can say for certain now is that an interesting situation is likely to develop mid-week and all will depend on how far west the hot, humid air mass can push before being lifted off the surface to form thunderstorms. At the moment, the models seem to favour Wicklow and nearby counties for this.

Over NORTH AMERICA, somewhat cooler, more seasonable conditions will develop as hot and humid air is pushed back into the southeast states. Heavy storms are likely along the slow-moving boundary in Kentucky, West Virginia and southern Virginia into eastern North Carolina. The west is warming up again and heat wave conditions will spread further north over the next few days. My local weather on Wednesday was mostly cloudy but dry with highs near 21 C. Expecting 32 C here by Saturday (25 today, 28 Friday).

Saturday, 27 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny intervals developing, warm and humid, after some scattered light showers this morning, there will be an increasing risk of more organized showers by afternoon, with heavier rain developing by evening, in moderate southerly winds. Highs 19-22 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain may be heavy for a few hours and will be most persistent after midnight and in the southeast and central counties. Amounts will range from 10 to 20 mm, and this may be welcome in some dry areas. Lows will be mild, 13-15 C. Winds S to SW 40-60 km/hr at times.

SUNDAY ... Morning showers or thunderstorms may be heavy at times during the early morning hours, then variable cloud with a few more isolated showers developing. Winds southwest 40-60 km/hr and highs 18-21 C. Rather humid but slightly fresher by afternoon and evening.

MONDAY ... Hazy sunshine east, partly to mostly cloudy west, quite warm and humid. Rain is likely to stay off the west coast but could brush a few outer coastal districts by later in the day. Moderate southeast to south winds, 40 to 60 km/hr, with lows 14-17 C and highs around 22 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy for most, some hazy sunshine at times in east, rain edging further into western coastal districts in a moderate southerly flow, lows 14-17 C and highs 22-25 C. About 3-5 mm rain potential in western counties only. Parts of Britain may begin to warm into the high 20s.

WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY remain at risk for heavy thunderstorms as a frontal system slowly develops between hot and humid air over Britain and cooler, fresher Atlantic air trying to push into Ireland from the southwest. Details will not be clear for a few days yet but would not be surprised if some locally heavy rainfalls develop in Leinster or east Munster. Temperatures could be as high as 24 C but the more rain or thunderstorms that develop, the closer to 18 C temperatures might settle, at least during the heavier rain. There will probably be a dry slot between one frontal system over the east and an advancing second front over western counties. That's where temperatures might reach the mid-20s in this scenario. Meanwhile it could easily top 30 degrees in parts of England and 24-27 C in Wales into north-central England. By FRIDAY it could become rather showery in general with temperatures falling back to about 18-20 C in Ireland and 22-24 C in Britain. However, the hot and humid air mass won't retreat very far to the east or south at that point and could make one more run at the region.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for another battleground scenario to develop around the weekend of 4-5 July and into the early part of the following week. Low confidence in this outcome at this distance, but the charts we are seeing would suggest occasional heavy rainfalls and temperatures near 20 C.

The latest guidance for the first half of July suggests rather frequent rainfall and temperatures generally near normal, as the core of the hot and humid air mass is pushed off into central Europe. Spain and southern France would remain hot, but northern France, Holland and Belgium would return to more of a seasonable Atlantic driven pattern. Once again, confidence is not high as these outlooks continue to shift around from run to run.

What is very easy to predict is that I will be sweating up a storm here as the highs reach the low to mid 30s under mostly sunny skies. Friday was hot enough at 29 C. Isolated thunderstorms are possible here by Sunday. Friday was probably the first day in about two weeks that the highs in parts of the eastern U.S. (especially mid-Atlantic states) failed to reach 30 C. This cooler air is filtering a bit further south before it stalls and loses its contrast with the hot, humid air mass in place over the south central states. While it's hot in most of the desert southwest, it was equally hot in central Washington state on Friday, with highs into the low 40s in places.

Monday, 29 June, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Mostly cloudy but with some hazy sunshine at times, warm and humid, with outbreaks of light rain mainly confined to west coast. Even there, amounts only 2-5 mm in most cases. Highs 19-22 C with warmer readings inland due to sea breezes that might bring some fog to coastlines or slightly inland, in a moderate southerly flow.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with some mist or fog, remaining quite warm and humid with lows 13-17 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy and very warm, with coastal fog or low cloud likely but some sunny spells for most central and eastern counties, more overcast in the west with occasional drizzle or light rain. Highs will vary from near 20 C in the west to 25 C inland central and east, 22 C more likely near east coast and 18 C on the south coast.

WEDNESDAY ... Warm and humid with scattered outbreaks of thundery showers, possibly heavy by afternoon and evening in some parts of Leinster. Lows near 17 C and highs near 23 C on average, any prolonged sunshine could produce highs to about 26 C but if heavy rain develops temperatures can be expected to fall to 18-20 C at that time.

THURSDAY ... Continued partly cloudy with scattered showers and risk of a thunderstorm, warm and humid, lows 15-17 C and highs 22-24 C.

FRIDAY ... Frequent showers developing, lows near 16 C and highs 21-23 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The weekend of 4-5 July could be quite unsettled with more outbreaks of heavy showers or thunderstorms but there could also be some sunny intervals, with temperatures generally in the low 20s. The following week looks quite unsettled at times too, with temperatures remaining either near or a bit above average, in the 20-23 C range. Longer range guidance, with rather low confidence, shows a cooler spell developing around mid-July.

Most of the above will apply to BRITAIN also, but on Tuesday and Wednesday even warmer temperatures will develop there, peaking around 31 C in some places on Wednesday. There will be some heavy or even severe thunderstorms in some places when the cooler maritime air pushes east and covers Britain later in the week, but then the hot and humid air will try to push back to the west around Friday night or Saturday morning (3-4 July) leading to a possible severe storm outbreak in parts of southern England.

Across much of eastern North America, the weather has turned cooler with widespread cloud and outbreaks of rain, temperatures only around 20 C, but further west it becomes extremely hot. Some locations in the inland portions of the Pacific Northwest region including southern B.C. had highs above 40 C on Sunday and this will continue for much of the week despite somewhat cooler air pushing inland from the Pacific, which has set off some showers although much of the activity has remained dry apart from a few raindrops reaching the surface. Our local weather was cloudy with that sporadic light shower activity and humid highs near 26 C on Sunday.

A reminder -- if you find that you have clear skies during any evenings this week, Venus and Jupiter will be making their closest approach in the western sky after sunset each evening. The actual timing for the conjunction is about 1500h on 1st of July but both Tuesday and Wednesday evening will feature a very close pairing for European observers.

UPDATE _ Tues 30 June 6 p.m.
______________________________

Extreme heat has developed over France and will continue to spread into southern England overnight and tomorrow. The current temperatures are 37 C at Nantes and 38 or 39 C in many parts of the southwest of France, about 34 in Paris, and 32 even in normally temperate Brittany where a few isolated thunderstorms have developed. Remnants of those are expected to arrive over Wales later tonight. We will track them carefully but at this point most of the guidance suggests that they will stay just east of Ireland with the possible exception of county Down towards sunrise. The more potent source for any thunderstorms in Ireland tomorrow would be an advancing cold front located out to the west of the Bay of Biscay at this point. Those storms could develop over west central counties by late afternoon and head northeast. However, there is a risk of isolated heavy storms further east.

The main core of the heat is aimed at Britain where highs today were generally about 27 to 30 C in southern regions, and today's considerable warmth in Ireland, for example 25 C at Casement and Phoenix Park currently, one report of 26 in Dublin from a boards weather forum regular, is probably the peak temperature to be expected in Ireland. It may hit similar values in one or two locations tomorrow given enough sunshine.

However, it will be uncomfortably warm tonight especially in Dublin, temperatures may not drop much below 20 C in the city and not until after midnight. Lows of 14-18 C can be expected in general.

If you are travelling later today or early tomorrow to either Britain or France, expect to encounter another day of extreme heat, we're thinking that overnight lows in southern England may be as high as 21 C and daytime highs 30-33 C, while in France it could stay above 24 all night and rise back to the mid to high 30s, except for a more active sea breeze zone near the Atlantic coast which should keep places like Nantes closer to 29 C, Brittany about 24 C. This heat will be pushing slowly away from Ireland all day tomorrow, but leaving Ireland in a residual warm air mass between two frontal zones -- the extreme heat eventually will leave all of Britain and the northwest half of France too. But it will try to return to those regions on Friday, at which time, it will start to interact with an Atlantic frontal system approaching Ireland. This may make Saturday quite an active day, and I don't expect to see all issues resolved on that until a bit closer to "show time."

Meanwhile, I am not being left out of the heat sweepstakes, as it is sunny and heading for 33 C at my location.

Don't forget, for those who have any breaks in the cloud at about 11 p.m., take a look to your west to see a very close conjunction of Jupiter and Venus. Same deal tomorrow evening, the actual timing of this means both nights are about equally close for viewers in Europe. I saw them last night here and they were already about as close as one lunar diameter. Stay cool and hydrated (especially the latter) .

Thursday, 2 July, 2015

Forecasts for Ireland


TODAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny intervals, these more likely in east-central counties. Warm and still rather humid, highs 19-22 C higher in parts of inland north-central and eastern counties. Risk of some heavy showers or thunderstorms developing by afternoon in parts of Munster, remnants of these spreading further north later. It may become quite foggy along the south coast at times.

TONIGHT ... Showers dying out, foggy at times, lows 8-11 C.

FRIDAY ... Some sunshine at first, then increasing cloud, becoming rather breezy (southeast 40-70 km/hr) with heavy showers or periods of rain developing in Munster by late in the day. Foggy near some coasts with highs 18-23 C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy, frequent showers but some brief sunny breaks by afternoon, moderate south winds veering southwest 30-50 km/hr. Lows about 11 C and highs about 18 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, further showers likely, possibly some heavy bursts in parts of the west. Lows near 10 C and highs near 17 C.

MONDAY ... Rain or showers, heavy at times, lows near 8 C and highs 15-18 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Unsettled and rather cool compared to this week, but some slight improvements later in the week.

Over in BRITAIN, each day is likely to be slightly warmer but Friday could be considerably warmer in eastern England with highs 24-27 C. This brief return of the very warm and humid air will likely set off widespread heavy showers and some thunderstorms.

My local weather on Wednesday (our national holiday) was sunny and hot with highs near 34 C where I was, although closer to 30 C at my home base which is closer to the ocean. Weak sea breezes continue to make it somewhat tolerable around here.