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

M.T. Cranium · 19-03-2011 7:44am

Saturday, 19 March, 2011
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Full moon (at perigee) occurs at 1811h GMT (6:11 p.m.) just about at the time of moonrise, so you would see the Moon 14% larger than average, and 30% brighter than average for full moon, if it can be seen at all through extensive cloud cover expected to develop later today. Fortunately there are no strong weather systems near Ireland today, so while tidal ranges will be high, no storm surges are expected. A warning has been issued to the public about strong wave action in some coastal parts of Donegal.

TODAY ... Bright to start the day and some sunny intervals in the southeast before thicker cloud moves in ahead of some sporadic rain that could become rather heavy near Galway mid-afternoon and across the Midlands towards Dublin this evening. A rumble of thunder may accompany this spring-like rainfall of 5-10 mms. Further south and also well north, rainfall may be much less or even absent in a few places. Winds today will pick up somewhat to reach SSW 10-20 mph veering to WSW 15-25 mph. Highs will reach 10-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, light rain ending over eastern counties after midnight, foggy in places by morning, lows 3-6 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy at first with hazy sunshine developing, sea fog may drift inland in some west and south coastal areas, but it will become a bit warmer again with highs 11-14 C.

MONDAY ... Morning fog, isolated frost, morning lows -2 to +3 C, but warming quickly under mostly sunny skies, highs 12-15 C.

TUESDAY to THURSDAY ... A spell of warm, dry weather in general, possibly somewhat foggy or misty near northwest coasts at times, but otherwise plenty of sunshine with clear skies at night promoting a bit of fog and isolated frost. Lows will stay in the range of 0-4 C mostly, and highs could be into the 13-16 C range well inland (sea breezes will reduce coastal temperatures to near 11 C).

OUTLOOK ... Turning a bit cooler, possibly quite a bit colder in Ulster since an arctic outbreak may develop for Scotland, eastern England and the North Sea, and some of that much colder air could feed west on light northeast winds to reach eastern Ulster. Otherwise, the air mass will just modify rather than change, and become more cloud-filled than during the week. That will be the main reason for lower daytime highs of 9-12 C. Some of the longer range maps look quite wintry in early April (which may turn out to mean very little, we shall see.)

MTC'S LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday 18th was a cloudy day with some very light rain or drizzle, no real accumulations, and a high of about 9 or 10 C.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The highs today were close to 27 C in Washington DC and 20 C in New York, 16 C in Boston ... delightful warmth that will be slowly eroded from the north by sagging east-west fronts but these won't reach much further south than New York until a final wave in a series comes past on Wednesday or Thursday, after which a strong arctic high that is waiting for these waves to finish moving past can edge south from the western Great Lakes towards the east central states. Meanwhile, this colder air will gradually take over western Canada and then the north-central U.S. through this weekend and end the milder spell there. Much snow remains to be melted in the eastern part of North Dakota and western Minnesota -- this will drain into the north-moving Red River that runs through Winnipeg and farming areas south of there to Grand Forks ND have been warned to expect major flooding in April. The Mississippi, Missouri and various other rivers in the upper Midwest are also likely to rise to flood stages this year with such heavy snow cover (north of 44 deg lat, south of there, snow has already melted).

M.T. Cranium · 20-03-2011 8:00am

Sunday, 20 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some morning drizzle in the east, brighter start for the west, then most regions dry and mild with some hazy sunshine at times, light southwest winds, some sea fog possible near west and south coasts, and highs around 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, misty or foggy in places, mild ... lows 3-7 C except a few locations inland southeast could fall closer to freezing with any clear skies ... winds falling off to calm.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, mild, hazy or foggy in some coastal areas. Highs around 13-15 C.

TUESDAY ... Continuing hazy and mild to warm, lows 3-5 C and highs 13-16C.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY ... More sunshine under stronger high pressure, light winds and calm overnight, the nights rather chilly under clear skies ... lows 0-3 C and highs 13-16 C.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY ... Cooler with cloudy skies and some risk of showers mainly in the south, winds turning light northeasterly ... highs near 9 C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Saturday 19th was cloudy with showers at first, but sunny by mid-afternoon and clear overnight to give a good view of the full moon.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Eastern regions turned somewhat cooler as high pressure has pushed southeast into Quebec, but this is a brief downturn as a developing low in Nebraska moves towards the western Great Lakes today, and another surge of warmer air moves east with it. Somewhat colder now across western Canada but the coldest air is bottled up well north of the prairies set to move south this week.

M.T. Cranium · 21-03-2011 8:00am

Monday, 21 March, 2011
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It is officially spring now, with the vernal equinox last night at 23:22h GMT (late Sunday evening). And the weather looks set to co-operate with a week of pleasant and rather warm days, although frost may return to some areas by Wednesday morning as high pressure swells up over Ireland.

TODAY ... Morning cloud, mist or fog will slowly give way to brighter skies with some sunshine spreading from central counties towards the east coast, while the west coast may remain more cloudy or in some places foggy, with drizzle in the air or a light shower for a few places. Highs will be 12-16 C with the warmer readings in central and inland eastern counties. Winds rather light SW 10-15 mph except 20-30 mph in Donegal at times, but falling off this afternoon and evening.

TONIGHT ... Hazy, cloud spreading back across most areas, drizzle and fog near west coast, mild for most, could clear and turn somewhat colder in the inland southeast, lows 3-7 C for most, and about 1-2 C where it clears.

TUESDAY ... Sunny by mid-morning and warm for most, some persistent low cloud or fog near coasts, highs 12-17 C in light winds.

WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY ... Foggy but essentially clear overhead early morning, some patchy frost possible, lows -1 to +4 C, then widespread sunshine and quite warm in the daytime, highs 13-17 C.

FRIDAY ... Following a somewhat frosty morning with lows near -2 C inland, to +3 C larger cities and coastal areas, the day will bring cloudy intervals, slight northeast winds especially in Ulster and coastal Leinster, and cooler there as a result, highs 9-12 C but could remain 12-15 C parts of the inland west.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Partly cloudy, slight risk of showers mainly north, not as warm as this week but still reasonably mild at about 10-13 C, slight frosts overnight.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Sunday 20th was pleasant, some sunshine getting through increasing layers of high cloud, about 10 deg C. Spits of light rain have been detected this evening.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER is dominated by a rather spring-like disturbance crossing the Great Lakes with widespread thundery rainfalls, and a bit of snow much further north, while highs of 20-25 C spread through the Ohio valley on Sunday. The east coast remained cold on Sunday but high pressure is rapidly retreating and the warmer air will push in as far north as New York City, but then the storm is expected to push a little south of due east later and keep New England in colder air so it could snow inland there as well as in Quebec and the Ottawa area of Ontario. A colder arctic high is pushing southeast across western Canada east of the Rockies.

Another unusual global weather event ... Bangkok in Thailand had some daily highs in the 15-20 C range late last week, as part of a major arctic outbreak into southeast Asia. It was barely 10 deg in North Vietnam during this event. This air mass has since been modified back towards normal values. Also, there was briefly a named tropical storm in the South Atlantic, the first one since 2003 and a very rare event in general.

M.T. Cranium · 22-03-2011 7:59am

Tuesday, 22 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Hazy sunshine for most regions, although cloudy with fog or mist in some areas close to the west coast, and quite warm with highs 13-17 C, warmest inland southeast. Light winds, some sea fog present near south as well as west coasts.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals at first, fog and mist developing, some patchy local frost possible in central counties, lows generally 2-6 C but as low as -1 possible.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals, warm ... low cloud, fog or mist near some coasts, light winds or calm ... highs 13-17 C.

THURSDAY ... Continuing calm and very warm inland, after another slight frost in some areas, similar temperatures to Wednesday, and more fog possible around the coastlines.

FRIDAY ... Turning a little cooler especially in Ulster and east Leinster due to a northeast breeze in those regions, possibly some low cloud or drizzle in places, but further west and not right along the outer coasts, it may stay fairly warm with some hazy sunshine. Highs 8-11 C east to 11-14 C west.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Variable cloud but remaining dry in most places, some chance of showers in far north at times, winds remaining rather light and variable but not as warm as the next few days with highs more seasonable around 11-13 C.

The further outlook calls for a gradual return to more cloud and eventually some showers, but a long dry spell already underway in some parts will continue until almost the end of the month for some.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER for Monday 21st was about the same as most recent days, cloudy with some sunny breaks, and a few light showers or periods of rain, highs near 10 C.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... rain turned to wet snow in parts of New England but this disturbance quickly fell apart and moved offshore Monday evening. A new storm is rapidly forming near Iowa and Illinois, and is moving east towards Ohio and PA. This one will spread wet snow along a track somewhat further south in New York state and southern New England by mid-week, and is a rather slow moving system so it may produce heavier amounts.

Quite cold to the north across central Canada with a return to wintry temperatures in some areas, slowing the inevitable spring melt of 2-3 feet of snow on the ground in parts of ND and MN.

M.T. Cranium · 23-03-2011 7:33am

Wednesday, 23 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Warm, hazy sunshine for many place today, even some western counties will shake off the fog and low cloud although it won't leave all exposed coastlines, and could appear near the south coast today. Winds almost calm in a very light easterly flow. Highs 13-17 C, and may feel even warmer in some parts.

TONIGHT ... Clear skies may lead to mist or fog, and localized brief frost around sunrise, this more likely in the midlands. Lows generally -2 to +3 C but a little higher in some urban and coastal locations.

THURSDAY ... Little change, more sunshine and warm temperatures, if any coastal fog develops it is more likely to be along the south coast due to more of a southeast drift in the winds. Highs 14-18 C.

FRIDAY ... Clear and rather chilly after midnight with some low cloud arriving in Ulster, lows generally -3 to +2 C. The day will be cloudy in the northeast and coastal Leinster, with drizzle and moderate NE winds 10-15 mph, but should stay at least partly cloudy and mild to warm further west, highs 12 to 15 C.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, some sunshine continuing in south and southwest, more chance of light rain or drizzle briefly in north, but overall a dry and seasonable day with lows near -1 C and highs near 12 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, chance of a brief shower but most places dry, lows near 2 C and highs near 12 C.

OUTLOOK ... A gradual return to more active weather in a southwest flow, nothing too cold before a mild, muggy Atlantic flow develops. Mark down 2-4 April for a possible windy and wet period.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Severe storms possible in the Ohio valley, rain and snow further north with 15-30 cms of snow possible in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, southern Ontario and New York into higher parts of PA, w NJ ... a sleety mix eventually for NYC, as this storm veers southeast from near Lake Erie late today. In the warm sector which may include DC and certainly Richmond into the Carolinas, highs of 20-25 C. But below freezing in the snowfall zones. Staying cold over north central states and inland western Canada.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... will appear last now ... Tuesday 22nd was a cloudy day with brief showers, some sunny intervals later, highs near 10 C. Our spring is just starting to show some signs of life this week but remains much behind normal pace.

M.T. Cranium · 24-03-2011 7:30am

Thursday, 24 March, 2011
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TODAY ... After some morning mist or fog, more sunshine and warm temperatures, with any coastal fog likely to be along the south coast due to southeast winds of 7-12 mph. Some fog also on outer west and north coasts. But in most places, highs reaching 14-18 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear and rather chilly after midnight with some low cloud arriving in Ulster, lows generally -3 to +2 C.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy at times in the northeast and coastal Leinster, with some drizzle and moderate NE winds 10-15 mph, but it should stay at least partly cloudy if not sunny and mild to warm further west, highs 12 to 16 C except 9-12 C near east coast and in Ulster.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, some sunshine continuing in south and southwest, more chance of light rain or drizzle briefly in north, but overall a dry and seasonable day with lows near -1 C and highs near 12 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, chance of a brief shower but most places dry, lows near 2 C and highs near 12 C.

MONDAY ... Sunny intervals, pleasant with highs 11-14 C.

OUTLOOK ... A gradual return to more active weather in a southwest flow, with a mild, muggy Atlantic flow developing. Some showers likely by Wed 30th and Thursday, but mark down 2-4 April for a possible windy and wet period.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Low pressure moving offshore today near Delaware has dragged colder air south and put an end to spring-like warmth in parts of the Ohio valley and mid-Atlantic states. It will remain fairly warm in the southeast, but below freezing in parts of New England and west through the Great Lakes into the northern plains states. A strong arctic high is dropping south from Saskatchewan and lows may reach -15 C or colder over fresh snow cover -- some places in North Dakota currently report two or three feet of snow on the ground, which is unusually heavy for this late in the season.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Wed 23rd was ideal (finally) although not quite as warm as in Ireland, our high was about 13 or 14 C. It won't last very long with cloud spreading in at the present time.

M.T. Cranium · 25-03-2011 7:40am

Friday, 25 March, 2011
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TODAY ... The warm spell will continue in many western and central counties but in the east, there may be a cooler northeast breeze coming inland ... most areas will remain sunny with considerable haze, and fog could drift inland near the east and north coasts. Highs 13-16 C in the south and west, to 9-12 C east and north.

TONIGHT ... Clear at first, fog or mist becoming rather widespread, scattered frost, lows -3 to +3 C.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, warmth somewhat reduced but still quite mild in the south and west, where highs 11-15 C, contrasting with 9-12 C parts of the east and north. Light winds in general and some tendency for all coasts to have cool sea breezes and fog drifting near shore or inland.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, morning frosts and fog, lows -3 to +2 C, some sunshine mid-day and highs 11-14 C.

MONDAY ... Continuing mild and dry after a frosty start, lows -4 to +1 C and highs 10-14 C.

OUTLOOK ... Gradually becoming more cloudy with some chance of showers returning although many places could remain dry until about Thursday or so, becoming rather windy and eventually unsettled later in the week into early April.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Cold in the east and central regions, a warmer east to southeast flow in the western states and into British Columbia. The cold air mass is sprawling and will hold off future storms for several days now. Highs were only -5 C or so in southern Ontario on Thursday, close to record low values for this late in the season.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday 24th was a cloudy day with some sunshine getting through patchy mid-level (alto-cumulus) overcast, and reasonably mild again at 12 C.

M.T. Cranium · 26-03-2011 7:44am

Saturday, 26 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Sunshine through some higher cloud, although a few coastal areas could become foggy or misty with low cloud possible there. Highs well inland should reach 12-15 C, sea breezes on most coastlines will perhaps chill shoreline areas to 8-10 C but more likely outer coasts. Winds light to moderate east 10-15 mph.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, cloudy after midnight in many areas, isolated frosts, fairly widespread mist or fog, lows -2 to +4 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy with low cloud quite possible near shorelines, highs inland about 11-14 C, near shore 9-11 C.

MONDAY ... Some further sunshine but increasing high cloud, frosty in some areas to start, lows -3 to +3 C and highs 11-14 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy, some light rain possible near west coast by afternoon, humid, lows 3-7 C and highs 11-13 C.

OUTLOOK ... Stronger winds, more frequent showers, but possibly some sunshine at times especially southeast, mild or warm south, muggy in a strong southwest flow from the Atlantic, highs 12-15 C. May become quite windy at times towards end of the week.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Widespread cold weather with a sprawling arctic high over the Great Lakes region. Some snow breaking out in the central and northern plains states. A bit milder, at least near average, in the west.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday 25th was a mostly cloudy day with a little drizzle, mild at about 12 C.

M.T. Cranium · 27-03-2011 7:13am

Sunday, 27 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Some hazy sunshine although considerable high cloud around, and lower clouds near shorelines as fog drifts inland in some places on colder sea breezes. Highs inland 12-14 C and near shore 8-11 C. Winds generally light to moderate east 10-15 mph.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals at first, then foggy or misty, scattered frost inland, lows -3 to +3 C.

MONDAY ... Sunny intervals for most, low cloud developing mid-day south and west coasts and edging further inland with some drizzle there, highs generally 12-15 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy, drizzle or light rain, strengthening S to SW winds, mild, lows near 5 C and highs near 12 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Cloudy, humid, muggy feeling in southeast, rain spreading across most regions but may stay dry in parts of southeast, lows near 7 C and highs near 15 C.

THURSDAY to SATURDAY ... Windy at times, unsettled, mild, winds sometimes quite strong from SW to W, highs generally near 13 C and overnight lows well above freezing (6-10 C mostly).

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Unsettled to stormy at times, possible strong winds as deep lows form and move past the northwest coasts.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Little change, rain or sleet mixing with mountain snow over the inland southeast, cold and clear around the Great Lakes and Midwest, milder west.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Saturday 26th was dry with some sunshine through higher cloud, high about 12 C.

M.T. Cranium · 28-03-2011 7:06am

Monday, 28 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Pleasant sunshine for the north and east, and at least some morning sun for the south and west while high cloud thickens and lower cloud arrives mid-day. It may remain dry in most places until late afternoon or evening when some patchy drizzle is likely to move in from the south. Highs about 13-15 C.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, patchy drizzle, mostly south and southeast, milder than previous nights with lows 4-7 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy with a few brighter intervals, patchy drizzle or light rain but some places dry, highs 12-14 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Breezy and becoming windy later in west and north, as south to southwest winds 30-50 mph arrive, periods of rain with some heavy downpours mid-day to evening hours, lows near 8 C and highs near 15 C.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, some further rain mainly west and north, mild to warm and muggy, lows near 10 C and highs 15-17 C. Winds SW 20-40 mph.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy, showers, breezy, lows near 8 C and highs near 14 C.

OUTLOOK ... Unsettled over the weekend into Monday 4th, some strong winds possible at times, temperatures near 12 C.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The pattern remains very static, with cold dry air dominating from a source region north of the Great Lakes, rain or sleet in parts of the southeast U.S. and snow breaking out in the southern Appalachians, also some rain moving through parts of the southwest states, and on shore further north in the past few hours, mild and dry inland west.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday 27th was partly cloudy to overcast and mild, highs near 13 C, light rain by evening.

M.T. Cranium · 29-03-2011 7:05am

Tuesday, 29 March, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some brighter intervals later in the day, scattered outbreaks of rain mostly southern counties this morning, eastern counties by mid-day, but only 2-5 mms for most, if that ... some fog on hills and near the south coast ... highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Foggy or misty, quite mild, outbreaks of light rain and lows in the range 7-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Breezy or locally windy, mild with high humidity giving a muggy feel to the day, winds increasing to SSW 30-50 mph, highs 14-16 C, highest inland southeast.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ... Heavy rain at times, possibly thundery, 20-30 mms possible ... very mild and breezy, SW 30-50 mph, lows only 9-12 C.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, further heavy showers across the north during the morning but some clearing later, very mild or even warm in moderate southerly winds, fog drifting inland from south coast and outer parts of the west coast ... highs 15-18 C.

FRIDAY ... Continuing very mild or warm with southerly winds, periods of rain developing, lows only 11-13 C and highs 15-17 C.

WEEKEND and MONDAY ... An unsettled, sometimes very windy period with further heavy rain likely, highs in the 12-14 C range. Nights continuing rather mild.

APRIL LONG-RANGE FORECAST ... Milder than normal by 1-2 degrees, near or slightly above normal rainfall, near average sunshine.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Not much change, continuing quite cool in most regions of the eastern and central U.S. except Florida, and near normal further west. Outbreaks of snow continuing in the higher parts of the inland southeast.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday 28th was mainly overcast, but despite some rather dark clouds no rain fell until after sunset, and then just a light drizzle.

M.T. Cranium · 30-03-2011 6:22am

Wednesday, 30 March, 2011
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ALERT for strong winds -- A rapidly developing frontal wave currently located well out to the west of Ireland will race past Mayo and Donegal tonight and produce locally strong wind gusts in northwest Ireland from the south to southwest peaking at about 65-70 mph (110 km/h) between midnight and 0300h (early hours of Thursday 31st). Winds over most other parts of Ireland will peak about the same time at speeds of about 40-50 mph (80 km/h). Watch for further updates as we track this disturbance closely during its approach.

Forecasts

TODAY will start out rather wet as a band of heavy showers moves steadily northeast, to be followed by variable cloudiness and mild conditions on moderate SW winds 20-40 mph. Highs will reach 13-15 C. Today's rainfall amounts (largely received already in the west) will amount to 5-10 mms. Due to the long dry spell and a buildup of oily material on roads, some roads will be unexpectedly slippery. Caution advised. Some sunshine will break through at times later, then further showers are likely to develop, some with thunder and hail by late in the day.

TONIGHT will be windy and in some parts stormy as winds increase to SSW 40-60 mph (see alert above). Very strong gusts may develop in coastal and higher parts of the northwest, around midnight to 0300h. All other regions will become quite windy too (35-50 mph). Some showers with hail and thunder will mark a fast-moving frontal system. Minor wind damage is possible. Lows will be around 7-9 C.

THURSDAY will become partly cloudy for a while, then overcast again, muggy and very mild with further rain developing, moderate to heavy at times, in a steady SW wind approaching gale force on coasts. While the strong windstorm will abate, further strong gusts may develop later. Highs will reach about 14-16 C and 10-20 mms of rain are likely, with some parts of the southwest receiving 30-40 mms by late Thursday.

FRIDAY will also be breezy to windy, very mild to warm, with south to southwest winds 25-45 mph, lows near 10 C and highs near 15 C.

SATURDAY will start windy and wet, then become partly cloudy with more isolated showers as the day progresses, with mild temperatures between lows of 10 C and highs near 14 C.

SUNDAY will bring variable cloud and somewhat cooler temperatures, with a continued risk of showers in the north mostly, lows near 5 C and highs near 10 C north to 13 C south.

The OUTLOOK for NEXT WEEK is for continued very mild weather returning quite rapidly on Monday and settling in with somewhat of a drying trend eventually, although the first part of the week could continue a little unsettled. Highs will remain in the 14-17 C range, nights will be generally rather mild too. More sunshine may develop later in the week.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Cold and dry weather continues over most of the east, with further snow possible in parts of the higher inland southeast, trending to a cold rain near the Carolina coast. Eventually these disturbances are likely to take a more northerly track and bring rain, sleet and snow in bands to the northeast and New England.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Tuesday 29th was overcast with occasional light rain developing by afternoon, and a high of about 11-12 C.

Watch for updates on tonight's fast-moving windstorm (wind event?).

M.T. Cranium · 30-03-2011 5:54pm

UPDATE _ Wed 30 March 2011 _ 5:45 p.m. IST
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The alert is maintained as the frontal wave continues to develop around 20W and timing of the strong winds is set as follows:

Mayo peak winds 0100-0400h gusts to 70 mph possible (110 km/hr) SSW-WSW

Donegal peak winds 0200-0600h gusts to 70 mph possible (110 km/hr) SSW-WSW

rest of Connacht and west Ulster similar timing, gusts to 60 mph (100 km/hr) SSW-WSW

west Munster peak winds 00-0400h gusts to 55 mph (90 km/hr) SSW-WSW

central counties peak winds 0200-0500h, gusts to 45 mph (70 km/hr)

southeast counties peak winds 0300-0600h, gusts to 50 mph (80 km/hr)

eastern counties and east Ulster, peak winds 0400-0800h, gusts to 50 mph (80 km/hr)

Some heavy bursts of rain and isolated thunder or hail possible with this front as it moves through tonight and Thursday morning. There will be a tendency for the strong winds to abate rather quickly after a couple of hours of blustery WSW winds, but it won't calm down completely as a steady southwest flow develops by Thursday mid-day.

Expect the first signs of strong winds around 10-11 p.m. from Atlantic coastal areas. The frontal wave is moving rapidly as it is being steered by 140 knot winds in the jet stream.

M.T. Cranium · 31-03-2011 6:46am

Thursday, 31 March, 2011
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Update on wind alert -- strongest winds appear to be around Galway Bay and across Clare, but also quite strong in most other parts of Connacht and Donegal. Gusts to 62 kts reported at Mace Head. As a result, have extended the ALERT to 0900h for strong gusts and slight damage potential in Clare, Galway, Mayo, Donegal and parts of nearby counties. Blustery most other regions too, peak gusts likely to occur soon around 50 kts (about 95 km/hr).

TODAY ... Gusty southwest to west winds will peak before 0800h then abate to moderate westerly as skies clear, giving fresh breezy weather most of the morning into mid-day, then increasing cloud with rain on the way for this evening. Winds currently WSW 45-65 mph in some central regions and 30-50 mph generally will fall off to 20-40 mph later today. Donegal could still see higher gusts around 0800-0900h to 70 mph. Highs 13-15 C. Isolated showers in the north at times during the morning, some with hail.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, very mild, periods of rain or drizzle, perhaps turning rather heavy in the west (15-30 mms potential, may just brush outer coasts), and lows only 9-12 C. Winds SW 15-30 mph.

FRIDAY ... Partly cloudy, showers or periods of light rain, but also brighter intervals, mild or warm and muggy in a southerly wind 20-35 mph. Highs 15-17 C.

SATURDAY ... Showers, breezy then fresher as winds veer more westerly, lows near 10 C and highs near 14 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, a few passing showers mostly north, somewhat cooler, lows 3-5 C and highs 8-12 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy, mild to warm, some light rain but some areas dry, lows near 7 C and highs near 17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Very mild or warm next week, some highs close to 20 C. Windy at times (SW'ly) in the north and west but further ahead, a tendency to backing winds to SE and less windy in general.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The inland northeast and New England are bracing for a spring snowstorm that could drop 10-30 cms in some places, mixing to sleet or cold rain near the coast. This system is slowly gathering strength today over the Carolinas but precip there is not too heavy yet, however some heavy wet snow will move north well inland. Cool and dry further west. mild and rainy on the west coast.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Wed 30th was cloudy with afternoon and evening showers, high of about 13 C.

M.T. Cranium · 01-04-2011 6:59am

Friday, 1 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Breezy (becoming windy later in Connacht) and very mild with sporadic rain although some long dry intervals likely through mid-day, a few brighter intervals, winds SSW 25-45 mph with some gusts to 55 mph northwest coast, highs 15-17 C.

TONIGHT ... Periods of rain, breezy although some areas may have a less windy period, 10-20 mms of rain by morning, winds continuing southerly then shifting to westerly, lows 7-10 C.

SATURDAY ... A few heavy showers moving through the north during the morning, elsewhere variable cloud with a few more showers, not quite as mild, winds WSW 20-30 mph, highs 12-14 C. Much cooler by evening.

SATURDAY NIGHT ... Variable cloud, showers becoming more isolated, some clear periods, slight frost possible well inland, lows -1 to +4 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, a few showers developing but periods of rain in northwest, temperatures recovering gradually to about 8-10 deg C then remaining mild overnight. Winds backing to SW 20-40 mph.

MONDAY ... Cloudy, periods of rain, breezy or windy, some dry intervals developing across the south and east, very mild again, highs to 17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rest of the week very mild or warm, highs could reach 20 C in places, a few more showers at first but these becoming increasingly confined to Connacht and west Ulster, then a dry spell as warm weather continues and winds slacken from strong SW at first to moderate S'ly later.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... It's no joke, snow is spreading across New England and could become heavy inland and on hills, 10-30 cms potential, and close to the Atlantic coast a chilly rain in northeast winds. This damp, cool weather will extend well south of Washington DC into the Carolinas and west into the Great Lakes region although somewhat milder air wrapping around the storm could change wet snow back to sleet or rain there. Cool and dry central regions, mild and wet in the west but turning colder through Friday with heavy mountain snowfalls developing in Montana, Idaho and parts of B.C., Alberta.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Thursday 31st was partly cloudy and mild with highs 13-14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 01-04-2011 11:32pm

UPDATE _ Friday, 11:30 p.m.
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Some parts of Limerick, Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Longford, western parts of Offaly, Westmeath, and west Ulster could see heavy rainfalls overnight with 20-40 mms possible, leading to some road and stream flooding problems by morning. This heavy rain will end before dawn in the southern part of the region affected but will continue towards mid-day in west Ulster. Rainfalls further east and across the south coast to parts of the southeast are likely to be much lower in general, 5-15 mms.

(update edited at 0130h to extend the area covered ... the heavier rain may become thundery in places ... rainfall rates are 3-6 mms per hour).

M.T. Cranium · 02-04-2011 7:03am

Saturday, 2 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Variable cloud, some sunny breaks, and some passing showers, becoming briefly heavy or thundery across parts of the southwest this morning and elsewhere mid-day, then another batch of showers sweeping into the northwest by late afternoon. Winds generally SW 15-30 mph backing to southerly later, highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, showers, rather chilly with lows 3-5 C ... some isolated ground frost possible if skies clear in a few places ... winds W 15-30 mph near coasts.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals, a few more showers, winds rather blustery at times SW 20-35 mph, highs 9-12 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy, milder, periods of rain sometimes rather heavy in Connacht but perhaps sporadic in the southeast, lows near 7 C and highs near 15 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, a few showers lingering in north, very mild to warm, sunny intervals developing across the inland south and east, lows around 6 C and highs near 17 C (possibly 19-20 inland southeast).

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals, mild to warm, highs 17-21 C.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY ... Sunny, warm, although fairly cool overnight, so a large diurnal range likely, the highs 17-21 C.

OUTLOOK ... It may stay quite warm for another few days or even a week, and longer range indications suggest a sharp cooling trend mid-month that may not last too long before the high pressure returns after being pushed back to the west briefly. This may possibly be a near-record warm April ahead.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Snow covers the ground after Friday's storm across inland New England, and some places got over 25 cms (Bangor, Maine had a daily record snowfall). The storm gave cold sleety rain showers around NYC and further south. Cool and dry further west. A storm is moving inland over the Oregon coast and will track across the Rockies today into the northern plains states Sunday. This will draw in very warm, humid Gulf of Mexico air into the central states on the weekend and set off heavy or severe storms in places like Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas by Sunday night.
But it will also drop 15-30 cms of snow across the US-Canada border regions.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday 1st was a cloudy, rather chilly day with a high of about 7-8 C. Snow was falling at higher elevations in the region.

M.T. Cranium · 02-04-2011 7:04pm

UPDATE _ Saturday 7 p.m.
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Severe storm alert required for Kilkenny, Carlow and north Waterford into parts of Wexford and Wicklow counties, possible hail and downpours to 30 mms, now to 8:30 p.m. ... In general, a few other isolated hail or thunder storms still possible but activity likely to die away gradually after sunset.

Check active threads on Boards weather forum for updates as I am headed out here.

M.T. Cranium · 03-04-2011 6:49am

Sunday, 3 April, 2011
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New moon occurs today at 1533h summer time.

TODAY ... Showers, some heavy with possible thunder, moving through the west this morning and across the east by mid-day, could give 5-10 mms of rain locally, before brighter weather spreads in on moderate SW winds at about 15-30 mph (gusts to 50 possible in northwest coastal areas). A few more showers are possible by late afternoon in Connacht. Highs will reach 10-13 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, rain arriving from the southwest and spreading rapidly across the country with 10-15 mms possible, winds picking up also to SSW 20-40 mph, mild with lows only 8-10 C.

MONDAY ... Morning rain or drizzle, foggy, then some brighter intervals, further showers developing, some heavy by afternoon ... mild and humid, winds SW 25-45 mph and highs 13-15 C.

TUESDAY ... After another mild, foggy night, a brighter day developing although some residual rain possible in Connacht to mid-day, lows near 10 C and highs near 17 C. Winds SW 20-40 mph.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, slight risk of a shower mostly late in day in west and northwest ... lows near 8 C and highs 17-20 C, highest inland southeast. Winds still SW veering more to west, 15-30 mph.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, just slightly cooler especially west and north, lows near 6 C and highs near 15 C north to 19 C south. Winds westerly backing to southerly, not too strong.

FRIDAY ... Morning fog giving way to warm sunshine, lows 3-7 C and highs 15 to 20 C. Light winds.

OUTLOOK ... At this point the weekend and much of the folllowing week are looking very warm and settled ... highs could exceed 20 C in some parts of the southeast and generally 18 C.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... A very active day ahead with strong low pressure racing east from Montana towards Minnesota. North of this storm track, near the U.S.-Canada border, 15-30 cms of snow. South of the track, much warmer with gusty winds and from Kansas to Ohio the risk of severe storms. Eastern Missouri, Iowa, central Illinois and Indiana could see tornadic supercells. Highs in the plains states will reach 21-25 C. Further east, dry and not as cold as past few days, highs near 10 C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday 2nd was a cloudy day apart from a couple hours of sunshine early afternoon, scattered showers later, highs about 12 C.

M.T. Cranium · 04-04-2011 6:43am

Monday, 4 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Mild and humid with morning showers, some dry intervals by mid-day and early afternoon, limited sunshine as more rain arrives later, winds generally SSW 20-40 mph but 30-55 mph in coastal northwest. Highs 13-15 C mildest in the inland southeast.

TONIGHT ... Showers, foggy and mild, winds SW 20-40 mph, lows 8-11 C.

TUESDAY ... Some lingering morning fog and light rain, then a brighter day developing although some residual rain possible in Connacht to mid-day, highs near 17 C. Winds SW 20-40 mph.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, slight risk of a shower mostly late in day in west and northwest ... lows near 8 C and highs 17-20 C, highest inland southeast. Winds still SW veering more to west, 15-30 mph.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, just slightly cooler especially west and north, lows near 6 C and highs near 14 C north to 18 C south. Winds westerly backing to southerly, not too strong.

FRIDAY ... Overnight clear skies except for some morning fog giving way to warm sunshine, lows 3-7 C and highs 15 to 20 C. Light winds.

WEEKEND ... Dry and warm with highs 17-20 C, some sunshine each day, winds light to moderate southerly.

OUTLOOK ... At this point much of the folllowing week is also looking very warm and settled ... highs could exceed 20 C in some parts of the southeast and generally 16-17 C. There is really no strong signal for an end to this warm spell and changes in the pattern while slight may in any case prove to be overdone at this early stage.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Widespread severe storms and very warm across much of the central and eastern U.S. early today and while a strong cold front will cut temperatures down in areas west of Chicago, the warm and unsettled weather will continue all day further east. The cooling behind this storm is limited because a second similar storm is already developing further west and will be following a similar path in a couple of days' time. Not as warm in the far west and rather cold across much of western Canada.

Today's tornado risk is probably greatest in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and parts of Arkansas into east Texas and from there south to the Gulf in Louisiana and Mississippi.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Chilly, overcast, periods of rain developed by late afternoon, only about 7 C.

M.T. Cranium · 05-04-2011 7:28am

Tuesday, 5 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Mild, humid (feeling quite muggy) with some brighter intervals developing in the southeast but some persistent light rain or drizzle in parts of Connacht and west Ulster. Winds steady SW 15-30 mph, except 20-40 in coastal northwest ... highs 13-15 C north/west to 16-18 C south/east.

TONIGHT ... Mild, foggy, some persistent drizzle northwest but otherwise dry, lows 7-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals developing, moderate SW breezes, still rather cloudy in the northwest with some fog and drizzle near coasts, highs 14-16 C north/west and 18-20 C south/east.

THURSDAY ... After a relatively clear and cooler night with lows 3-6 C, sunny with cloudy intervals (more frequent northwest) and highs near 14 C north to 17 C south.

FRIDAY ... Sunny, warm ... a rather cool overnight low with lows 2-5 C but warming up very quickly to reach 18-21 C by mid-day, in most areas away from outer coasts where 14-16 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, continuing rather warm, some showers in north, lows near 6 C and highs near 17 C (19-20 C inland southeast).

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, some warm sunny intervals, lows near 6 C and highs 17-20 C.

OUTLOOK ... A warm, dry period in general with a few showers confined to north, continuing well into the next week.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Numerous severe storms on Monday across the Ohio valley and southwest into Tennessee and Arkansas. Some tornadoes included. Very warm along the east coast (25-30 C in places). The stormy weather is less intense today but moving steadily east, with a new system organizing near the Colorado-Kansas border. So it will remain quite warm in the southern plains states and quite cool across the northern plains where some snow may develop today.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Cloudy, frequent rain showers, about 25 mms in total on Monday, highs near 9 C. Foggy but partly cloudy above the fog this evening.

Speak Now · 05-04-2011 8:14am

Could you give us a forecast from Augusta M.T......please

M.T. Cranium · 05-04-2011 8:14pm

The weather is looking quite good in general for the Masters golf with high pressure over the region tomorrow and Thursday, then a warm southerly flow setting in. Should be sunny and 18 C for Wednesday, 20 C Thursday, 23 C Friday, possible brief showers on Saturday 25 C, warm and humid with the threat of thunderstorms on Sunday, 27 C.

There will be a fairly widespread severe storm outbreak around Sunday further west so if that system were to speed up then play on Sunday could be delayed at times, but so far what I'm seeing looks more like brief delays or the sort of showers that can be played through on Saturday. But it should be bone dry until then. Looking forward to the golf as always.

M.T. Cranium · 05-04-2011 9:30pm

UPDATE _ Tuesday, 9:30 p.m.
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Forecast for the overnight period amended as follows ...

TONIGHT ... Some bursts of heavy, thundery rain spreading from southwest towards central counties, less intense rainfall at times in northwest ... local rainfalls 10-15 mms, some parts of the southeast remaining dry but becoming foggy later ... very mild, lows near 11 C.

M.T. Cranium · 06-04-2011 6:42am

Wednesday, 6 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Very mild or warm with some hazy sunshine except near the outer coasts where some low cloud, fog and drizzle likely (rain near the north coast for a while longer, returning by late in the day) ... highs inland 17-20 C but closer to 14-16 C near some coasts.

TONIGHT ... Patchy light rain spreading across the north but probably not extending much further south than Galway to Dublin, partly cloudy south of that ... temperatures falling off to 5-8 C in the north after midnight, but staying around 7-10 C further south.

THURSDAY ... Cloud dissipating around sunrise except for some lingering low cloud near northwest coasts, sunshine and still rather warm, although a bit fresher than today, highs 15-18 C.

THURSDAY NIGHT ... Widespread clear skies may lead to some morning fog, a bit cooler with lows 2-6 C. Patchy frost possible in one or two inland valley locations.

FRIDAY ... Partly to mostly sunny, warm, fog patches lingering near coasts, light winds, highs 17-20 C.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, warm, showers developing, lows 3-7 C and highs 15-19 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy at times, some chance of rain in west and north mainly, warm, lows near 7 C and highs near 17 C. There will be a succession of weak fronts and ridges in a west-southwest flow.

OUTLOOK ... Next week will continue fairly warm although perhaps closer to normal values, with occasional showery intervals. The average high will probably be around 15-17 C. There are no real signs of a strong cooling trend further ahead, in fact some chance of another very warm period after mid-month as winds return to a southeast direction.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Everything has calmed down after very widespread severe storms on Tuesday. Wednesday was cloudy and rather cool in the east, and will clear to more temperate conditions today. Central plains states have warmed back to 20-25 C and continue to warm further today. Thunderstorm activity is still two or three days away as this air mass so far is very dry. Cool and moist near the west coast and into the Rockies with widespread mountain snows.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER continues very cool, we are running far behind Ireland in the race to spring and in fact the trees have hardly begun to bud, let alone show green leaflets. Some of the bushes are now in flower and the cherry blossoms are almost fully out. Today (Tues 5th) was cloudy with a few showers and chilly, only 6 or 7 C.

M.T. Cranium · 07-04-2011 7:06am

Thursday, 7 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Misty or foggy at first, hazy sunshine breaking through away from most coastlines, warm inland but staying rather chilly in some coastal areas due to either a sea breeze or low cloud. Highs inland 16-19 C, coasts more like 12-15 C. There will be a tendency for the west coast to feel the sea breeze effect only on outer headlands as a slight east wind develops, so it should be pleasantly warm in some west coast locations too. And the sea breezes will not be very strong, the cooling effects might be restricted to the immediate coastal strip in the Dublin region (winds east 5-10 mph).

TONIGHT ... Clear for most, some dense fog or low cloud possible at first near shorelines and later inland ... patchy frost could develop well inland as lows fall into the range of 2-6 C. Winds generally calm.

FRIDAY ... Another very warm day ahead with widespread sunshine, local cooling near south and east coasts in particular as a weak southeast flow 5-10 mph develops. Highs for most will reach 17-20 C and coastal strip, headlands about 12-15 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy to sunny, very warm, lows 4-7 C and highs 18-21 C although 12-15 C near south coast and 15-17 C east coast.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud, some showers developing, still quite warm, lows near 7 C and highs near 18 C.

MONDAY-TUESDAY ... Somewhat unsettled, a bit cooler, lows near 4 C and highs near 15 C.

OUTLOOK ... Somewhat warmer again in the 16-18 C range during the second half of the week. The following weekend may see a brief cooler and windy interlude before yet another warm spell sets in.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Warm and very dry (low humidity) across the southern U.S. both yesterday and today, highs 20-25 C to near 30 C in Texas. This warm air mass will acquire some humidity by the weekend and then some severe storms will develop in the southern plains. The Masters golf tournament site in Georgia should see mostly dry and warm weather except for some widely scattered showers possibly on the weekend. The warmth is spreading gradually to the northeast U.S. today although sea breezes will keep things rather cool in some places. The west is slowly warming up now as well but remains a bit below normal.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Wed 6th was partly cloudy to sunny at times, with towering cumulus but no real action from these buildups. It stayed rather chilly with a high near 9 C.

Enjoy the pleasant weather and watch for large variations in the coastal areas due to the weak sea breezes.

M.T. Cranium · 08-04-2011 7:03am

Friday, 8 April, 2011
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TODAY ... For most places, sunny and warm with light winds, highs 17-20 C ... near the south and east coasts, some fog near shore and low cloud drifting a few miles inland in places, considerably cooler there with highs 12 to 15 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear with some fog developing (or thickening where present near coasts) ... rather chilly again inland, lows 3-7 C, staying near 10 C in coastal fog.

SATURDAY ... Sunny intervals, warm, highs 15-19 C, somewhat cooler near south and east coasts again, fog patches. Chance of showers in Kerry and other parts of the southwest.

SUNDAY ... After a fairly mild night with lows 5-8 C, the day will become fresher and partly cloudy with isolated showers developing mainly in Connacht and west Ulster, highs 13-16 C. Winds increasing gradually to westerly 20-35 mph. Evening showers in many areas.

MONDAY ... Variable skies, rather fresh and cool with lows near 4 C and highs near 12 C.

TUESDAY ... Morning frosts, daytime sunshine, lows in the range of -2 to +3 C and highs 11-14 C.

OUTLOOK ... A windy, showery period is likely to follow with near normal temperatures. There are indications of cooler, possibly somewhat wintry, weather for a day or two around the following weekend (16th-17th) and possibly this colder interval will last a few more days -- however, we've seen cold spells advertised at this time range before, that never materialized, so consider this very preliminary.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Still warm and dry in many areas of the east-central U.S. but more cloud today and some showers breaking out in the inland southeast, late in the day these could affect play at the Masters although it looks mainly an overnight event. Further west, a more organized frontal system will start to produce severe storms today but these will become more widespread on the weekend.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Finally a sunny day on Thursday 7th, although not much warmer than the past week, highs only around 10 deg C.

M.T. Cranium · 09-04-2011 6:47am

Saturday, 9 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Increasing high cloud, although some south coast locations won't see this due to persistent fog or low cloud already present. Along the east coast, more of a mist than fog, blowing some distance inland on the sea breeze. Winds generally SE 10-20 mph, a bit stronger by afternoon, and the chance of a few light showers with the cloud in southwest counties. Highs in most places 17-20 C but 12-14 C south coast and some near-shore east coast locations.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy intervals, mild, a few sprinkles of rain and possibly a brief rumble of thunder more likely in the southeast ... winds veering from SE to SW 10-20 mph, lows 7-10 C. Fog persisting in some coastal areas especially south coast.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, a few sprinkles of rain early and then some more organized light rain moving into coastal northwest by late afternoon. Fresher and a bit cooler with highs 15-18 C in westerly breezes (12-15 C west coast).

MONDAY ... After some overnight light rain (2-5 mms) more sunshine developing on a fresh westerly breeze, lows near 5 C and highs near 12 C.

TUESDAY ... Some risk of morning frost, although northwest may stay cloudy with light rain at times overnight, then variable cloud, rather cool, more organized areas of rain arriving by late in the day as winds back to southerly and strengthen. Lows -2 to +4 C and highs 10-13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Rain at times, windy, rather mild, lows near 7 C and highs near 14 C.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, windy at times, lows near 5 C and highs near 13 C.

FRIDAY ... Windy and possibly stormy in some western and northern counties, frequent showers although some sunny intervals, winds W 30-50 mph with higher gusts possible ... lows near 5 C and highs near 12 C. Hail and thunder likely at times.

OUTLOOK ... It may improve somewhat for the following weekend, then models are suggesting a really cold interval that could last a day to three days before a gradual warming trend. By then it will be approaching Easter weekend, and the very early call there would be mild southeast winds and partly cloudy to overcast.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Pleasantly warm and mostly dry across the southeast U.S. with a few isolated showers, more frequent showers or thunderstorms in the south central states spreading northeast into the Ohio valley. Highs near 27 C for the Masters golf site and various other parts of the southeast. Staying rather cool in the northeast as high pressure holds back the warm air and promotes cool sea breezes. Rather non-descript weather across most of the west and the border states into western Canada, milder than recently promoting a gradual snow melt. Many places are now on flood watch for the next week or two in the northern U.S. and central-western Canada.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday was sunny with increasing high cloud, dimming the sun considerably by afternoon, but quite dry and reasonably mild at 13 C.

M.T. Cranium · 10-04-2011 6:52am

Sunday, 10 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy intervals this morning but plenty of sunshine for most places developing this morning, and only a very slight chance of a brief shower ... it will cloud over in the west around mid-afternoon with rain due about 9-10 p.m. there ... winds rather moderate SW backing to S 10-20 mph. Highs 15-18 C.

TONIGHT ... Periods of light rain in most areas, possibly staying dry in the southeast, 2-5 mms elsewhere, lows 6-8 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with showers at first, then some mid-day sunshine, chance of a few afternoon showers developing, most of these near the west coast, highs 12-15 C.

TUESDAY ... After a slight frost in some parts of the inland south, but cloudy further north, lows -2 to +4 C, expect another bright day with mostly dry conditions until evening or overnight hours, highs 12-14 C. Winds in the northern counties will be rather strong at times from the west, but it won't be as windy further south.

WEDNESDAY ... Morning showers or periods of rain, foggy at times, 5-10 mms expected on average, then slow improvement with some brighter intervals developing, lows 5-8 C and highs 11-13 C.

THURSDAY ... After a rather cool night with morning lows near 3 C, the day will become breezy, with increasing cloud, and rather windy in the northwest by mid-day, with these windy conditions spreading late in the day to most other regions, as winds increase to SSW 35-55 mph, bringing on some squally showers with hail and thunder late Thursday into Friday early morning. Highs about 10-12 C.

FRIDAY ... Breezy with strong winds during the early morning subsiding gradually, early gusts to near 55 mph, showery but brighter by mid-day and afternoon, lows near 4 C and highs near 11 C. Winds SW-W 20-40 mph after the stronger winds move through.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY ... Next weekend so far is looking unsettled, and rather cool, with blustery west winds and squally showers at times, temperatures mostly in the 5-8 C range. Some hail at low elevations, with sleet or snow possible in this pattern on the higher summits especially. It may also be thundery at times.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... The week beyond looks rather cool but not exceptionally cold with the flow remaining northerly for a while then becoming more variable.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Some heavy thunderstorms just missed the site of the Masters golf overnight (crossing South Carolina) but today should be mostly settled in the southeast with highs near 28 C and higher humidity than recent days. The cold front with a developing storm in Nebraska will cut through Kansas and Missouri while thundery rains move through the Midwest towards the lower Great Lakes. All areas south and east of these fronts will be very warm and humid. Further north and west, closer to seasonable for the 10th of April.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Cloudy, a few evening showers, heavy rain on the way in for Sunday ... cool on Saturday with a high only about 9 C.

M.T. Cranium · 11-04-2011 6:47am

Monday, 11 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Morning showers will end soon in eastern counties, and partly cloudy conditions will spread across the country with westerly breezes 15-30 mph, followed by a second pulse of showers, some of these rather heavy with hail in Connacht. Further south and east this second wave may not deliver much additional rain but there is potential for 3-7 mms today. Highs 12-14 C.

TONIGHT ... Northern counties will stay cloudy with additional showers and lows of 3-5 C. Further south, clearing after midnight with the risk of isolated ground frost, lows -2 to +3 C. Winds dropping off light except remaining westerly 15-30 mph near north coast.

TUESDAY ... Sunny intervals, more cloud for the north, dry in most places all day but some light rain spreading across the north at times. Highs 10-13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Foggy with periods of rain developing, 10-20 mms potential, and only clearing slightly in western counties late in the day, moderate S to SW winds, lows near 7 C and highs near 12 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, not looking too windy now, lows near 3 C and highs near 13 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, a few showers possible northern counties, some areas staying dry, moderate S to SW winds, lows near +1 to +4 C, and highs 12-15 C.

OUTLOOK ... The weekend is looking somewhat unsettled but you may have noticed that the forecasts keep backing off on the actual arrival of cool, windy weather ... now this is expected to hold off to Monday 18th ... but the weekend meanwhile could be rather cloudy with a few showers around, and near normal temperatures. Then, if it does turn quite chilly, this seems likely to be a rather brief interval before a muggy southwest backing to southeast flow develops around the Easter weekend.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Widespread severe storms have developed late Sunday and these are moving into Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. They will keep tracking further east to reach the east coast by Monday night or Tuesday morning. So there will be one very warm day on the east coast today as the plains states warmth has finally pushed a cool high away ... highs could reach 30 C in Washington DC and 25 in New York City today. This won't last as the front will arrive by evening and then stall to the south, keeping parts of the southeast in warm air all week as new, weaker disturbances form in Texas and move east.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Sunday was a cloudy day with frequent light rain and some fog, rather chilly at 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 12-04-2011 7:30am

Tuesday, 12 April, 2011
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TODAY ... More cloud than sun in the north, with a few residual showers this morning, but improving for the afternoon, meanwhile partly sunny in the south and probably staying dry in most areas, highs 11-14 C, moderate SW breezes backing to SSE by late in the day, 10-20 mph.

TONIGHT ... Increasing cloud, temperatures holding steady near 5 C at first then rising towards morning, rain setting in and becoming rather heavy at times by morning, 10-15 mms possible, foggy in most places by 0300h. Winds S veering to SW 15-30 mph.

WEDNESDAY ... Morning showers then gradual clearing but once this sets in, unstable air could produce further showers especially northwest and southwest counties, winds westerly by afternoon at 20-30 mph, highs 11-14 C.

THURSDAY ... Possibly a slight frost then sunny intervals, widely separated brief showers by afternoon, lows near 2 C and highs near 13 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, some moderate SW breezes at times, lows near 2 C and highs near 14.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... The models were flirting with a return to winter a few days ago, now that scenario has more or less disappeared from all models. I suppose only the die-hard weather enthusiasts are sad to hear about that, and with weddings planned (two that I heard about) I'm happy to say that it now looks partly cloudy to sunny each day with at least near-average highs of 14-16 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Winter can't get in here either, apparently, so now we're going with warmer sunshine. Maybe that Saharan dust scared off the Greenland slow train that was scheduled to arrive.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The stormy weather reached the east coast by Monday evening and now it is raining and about 15 C. This will last about another day as the fronts have stalled out. Another warm spell is developing over the central plains states. Colder air has sagged into parts of western Canada from the subarctic but it is not too cold, around 2 deg C.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday 11th was a bright, breezy day with a chill to the wind (which was westerly at 30-50 km/hr) ... highs were about 10-11 C.

M.T. Cranium · 13-04-2011 6:40am

Wednesday, 13 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with further rain or showers, some drizzle and fog, but eventually some brighter intervals likely and even a bit of sunshine by afternoon as winds veer from SSW to WSW 20-35 mph. Highs will reach 12 to 14 C. Total rainfalls including what has already fallen, 15-25 mms.

TONIGHT ... Foggy, some further drizzle in places, lows 4-7 C.

THURSDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, mostly dry but some brief showers possible especially in West Munster and Connacht, west Ulster. Highs in the range of 13-15 C.

FRIDAY ... Following some patchy ground frost and lows 2-5 C, sunny intervals in the south, low cloud and drizzle or showers part of the day in the north, moderate SW winds at times, highs 12-14 C.

SATURDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, mild to warm, lows 2-5 C and highs 14-16 C.

SUNDAY ... Sunny, mild to warm, lows 2-5 C and highs 15-17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Sunny, pleasantly warm to start the week, some increase in cloud later as the flow backs around to southeasterly, but in general expect temperatures to average 1-2 deg above normal and to keep this month on pace to set a possible record or at least come very close.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Rain is easing now over the eastern states as a weak system essentially falls apart. Another warm spell is spreading east through the central plains states as highs edge up towards 20-24 C. West coast unsettled and cool, inland western Canada cold with outbreaks of snow.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Tuesday 12th was partly cloudy to overcast with some light rain arriving by the evening hours, highs near 11 C. Cherry blossom now near full display but deciduous trees are hardly even showing any green as they are several weeks behind normal blooming schedules.

Working on a summer forecast for Ireland, should be able to share this within the next week.

M.T. Cranium · 14-04-2011 7:03am

Thursday, 14 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Widespread low cloud or hill fog with patchy drizzle this morning should gradually lift to give long sunny intervals in most places by mid-day and through the afternoon. Highs 13-15 C and light to moderate westerly winds backing to southerly by evening.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, rather chilly, ground frost in some central inland counties, lows 2-5 C. Drizzle arriving in Connacht well after midnight.

FRIDAY ... Cloudy across the west and north with patchy light rain, 1-3 mms at most, more sunshine likely south and east, isolated showers by afternoon, highs 14-16 C.

SATURDAY ... After a clear night and lows of 2-5 C, expect a sunny or at least partly cloudy day with light winds and highs of about 14-15 C.

SUNDAY ... Another clear night, lows 2-5 C, and a warm(ish) sunny day with light southeast winds and highs 15-18 C. Some coastal fog may begin to develop near south coast outer headlands.

MONDAY ... Sunny, mild to warm, lows 3-6 C and highs 16-19 C.

OUTLOOK ... Not much change from day to day, dry and reasonably warm, although a slight change in air mass mid-week may reboot the warming trend from a new base of about 15 C. If any cloud or rain enter the picture, it will be near northwest coast or outer south coast depending on wind direction. The Easter weekend outlook remains positive, in a fairly settled and warm southeast flow, but confidence is only moderate on the long range at present.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The east coast continued to get soaked most of Wednesday with temperatures stalled near 12 C. Further west, it warms up progressively towards 30 C in Kansas and Oklahoma. This warmer air mass is pushing very slowly east and the east coast will require most of today just to clear away the low cloud and drizzle. Colder air has pushed south from central Canada into the northern tier of states, almost but not quite to Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. Rain is spreading along this front as it stalls out and becomes a warm front in nature. Severe weather will develop later in the week when the low in west Texas acquires more definition.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wed 13th was cloudy, about 12 C and there were one or two brief showers, but it was essentially a dry day.

M.T. Cranium · 15-04-2011 6:49am

Friday, 15 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals, more frequent in south and east, while patchy light rain showers may come and go in western and later northern counties. Amounts trace to 3 mms. Highs 13-15 C, milder in south and east. Moderate southwest winds at times.

TONIGHT ... Cloud gradually breaking to partly clear conditions, touch of ground frost possible central counties, lows 2-5 C.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy intervals in the morning, low cloud may persist near some western and northern coastlines, but more sunshine by mid-day and afternoon as light northwest winds fall off to near calm. Highs 13-15 C.

SUNDAY ... After a largely clear night with patchy light frost inland, expect a sunny day with warmer highs away from the south and east coasts, lows in the range of 1-4 C and highs 14-17 C.

MONDAY ... Hazy sunshine, warm, lows 2-5 C and highs 15-19 C.

TUESDAY ... Brief showers in the far north, cloudy northern counties at times, sunny weather continuing further south, a bit cooler however with highs near 14 to 16 C.

OUTLOOK ... Partly cloudy, rather cool mid-week, highs 13-15 C but a trend back to more sunshine and warmer weather towards the Easter weekend, at which time possibly some isolated showers but still mostly warm and dry, with highs reaching around 18-20 C. The month is still on track to challenge a record for April warmth.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Thursday night has turned quite stormy in parts of eastern Oklahoma, western Arkansas and southeast Kansas. There have been a number of tornadoes and large hail events. Ahead of this front, a warm, humid southerly flow is pushing into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and the stormy conditions will follow later today. Snow has broken out in the high plains west of Dodge City KS into Colorado. This is being fed by colder air moving south out of central Canada. Although the very warm air has not reached the east coast, the skies have cleared which is allowing temperatures to rise into the 15-18 C range there.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Thursday 14th was basically dismal, with non-stop rain mixing at times with snow and sleet or hail. Temperatures may have reached 8-10 C at some point but fell off to 2-4 C during the late afternoon. This wintry mix seems to have stopped now without leaving any accumulation but the grass turned white for a short period and higher up there were snowfalls of 3-5 cms.

M.T. Cranium · 16-04-2011 6:44am

Saturday, 16 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy intervals this morning, patchy drizzle in the inland parts of Leinster for a while, also, low cloud may persist near some western and northern coastlines, but otherwise more sunshine by mid-day and afternoon as light northwest winds fall off to near calm. Highs 13-15 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, rather chilly, lows 2-5 C but some patchy ground frost may develop inland. Fog patches in low-lying areas and some coastal fog north and west.

SUNDAY ... Sunny intervals with some patchy low cloud mostly near coastlines during the morning hours, with warmer highs away from the south and east coasts, highs 14-17 C. Light southeast winds.

MONDAY ... Hazy sunshine, warm, lows 2-5 C and highs 15-19 C.

TUESDAY ... Brief showers in the far north, cloudy northern counties at times, sunny weather continuing further south, a bit cooler in the northern and north-central counties with highs near 14 to 16 C. continuing warm inland south 16-18 C (coastal 14 C).

OUTLOOK ... Partly cloudy Wednesday with highs 15-17 C (13-15 C east coast) but a trend back to more sunshine and warmer weather towards the Easter weekend, at which time possibly some isolated showers but still mostly warm and dry, with highs reaching around 18-20 C. The month is still on track to challenge a record for April warmth.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... More heavy to severe thunderstorms moving gradually east through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama on Friday, some tornadoes in Alabama too. The storm centre is moving through Iowa and snow has developed to its west and north. The east coast remained dry on Friday but rain may move into some areas today. Still quite cold across western and central Canada and the north central states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... A much nicer day on Friday with sunny intervals and a high of about 10 C, some light rain moved back in during the evening hours. No real accumulation.

M.T. Cranium · 17-04-2011 6:54am

Sunday, 17 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly sunny, except for some low cloud persisting near a few outer coasts, warm inland, highs 15-18 C. Light south to southeast winds.

TONIGHT ... Clear in most places, low cloud or fog on some coasts, lows generally 2-5 C, possibly a few patches of frost inland.

MONDAY ... Sunny, hazy, quite warm ... a few afternoon cloudy intervals developing in the southwest ... highs 16-19 C.

TUESDAY ... Following a rather cloudy night with mild lows of 5-9 C, variable cloud, more sun to the north, chance of rain at times in Kerry and Cork but it may only reach the outer south coast. Highs 14-17 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Hazy sunshine, lows near 4 C and highs near 17 C.

THURSDAY to (EASTER) SUNDAY ... Warm and dry except for widely separated showers developing inland south by the weekend, some sunshine each day, highs 17-20 C and possibly as high as 22 C inland.

OUTLOOK ... The warm spell may last a few more days before slowly backing off to more average temperatures mid-week (after Easter) then the models show another very warm spell in early May.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Sadly, the severe storms caused as many as thirty fatalities in North Carolina and Virginia on Saturday, but these have pushed offshore now and the remnants of the front further north over the northeast states will not be as violent. Much colder air has wrapped around the low centre which has moved into northeast Ontario. However, a new wave is getting started over Wyoming and will spread somewhat warmer air back into the plains states again today.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday 16th was rather cloudy to start with a brief hail shower, then sunshine prevailed all afternoon with highs near 11 C.

M.T. Cranium · 18-04-2011 6:56am

Monday, 18 April, 2011
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While this should be a warm, dry and pleasant week for most, we have the usual situation with east to southeast winds where local conditions might vary considerably especially near the east and south coasts as much cooler marine layers containing fog, drizzle and low cloud make some occasional moves a few miles inland. So keep that in mind if you live near those coasts or even in the southeast inland.

TODAY ... Hazy sunshine and warm for most, low cloud and fog possible near southeast coast, also slight risk of a shower later today in Ulster from a weak front developing. Highs generally 15-19 C, a bit lower near southeast coast, and possibly as high as 20 C some inland western locations. Winds SE 10-15 mph.

TONIGHT ... Considerable higher cloud spreading in, keeping temperatures milder than the past two nights, lows 4-8 C in most areas, near 10 C south coast.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy intervals, some sunshine at times, slight risk of a shower but most places dry, highs 16-19 C as winds back to northeast 10-20 mph, keeping temperatures rather cool near the seafront in Meath, Dublin and north Wicklow.

WEDNESDAY ... Hazy sun at times, lows near 4 C and highs near 17 C.

THURSDAY ... Sunny intervals, fog patches near east coast, somewhat stronger east winds at times, lows near 4 C and highs 14-18 C (cooler east coast). Some drizzle possible by evening and overnight.

GOOD FRIDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, rather breezy, drizzle near east facing coasts at times, lows near 7 C and highs 14-18 C (cooler east).

OUTLOOK FOR EASTER WEEKEND ... More sunshine returning although an isolated shower or thundershower possible, warm, not as breezy as the southeast gradient slackens ... lows near 7 C and highs 17-21 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... East winds picking up again so while Monday could be about as warm, the rest of the week may cool off slightly especially in the eastern half of the country, but only patchy drizzle at most, and highs still likely to reach 18-20 C in western counties, 13-16 C east.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Things have quietened down considerably over the weekend and Sunday, while fairly warm in the south central states, saw just rain or snow with fronts further north, no further severe storms or thunder. The colder air holding steady over central Canada is slowly expanding its coverage but will not make much further progress south before the warm air begins to push east and low pressure deepens today. Eventually some more intense showers are likely in the plains states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Sunday 17th was quite pleasant, with mostly sunny skies by mid-day and afternoon, highs 13-14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 19-04-2011 6:26am

Tuesday, 19 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Apart from some morning showers in Kerry and possibly nearby parts of Cork and Limerick, most places dry today with hazy sunshine more likely well inland due to low cloud and fog banks drifting inland from south and east coasts, then later today north coasts due to winds shifting northeast 15-25 mph. Warm inland, cool due to sea breezes near shore. Highs 17-20 C inland, 12-15 C shoreline areas with sea breezes.

TONIGHT ... Further drizzle possible in southwest, partly cloudy, mild elsewhere, fog banks near shore, lows 6-10 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Hazy sunshine inland and west coast, low cloud and fog banks near east coast and some parts of south coast, risk of an isolated shower or afternoon rain on outer southwest coasts, winds generally E to SE about 15-25 mph, highs 17-20 C inland, 12-15 C east coast.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers or brief thundershowers mainly western counties, warm and rather muggy, except cool due to sea breezes near east and south coasts, lows 7-11 C and highs generally 17-20 C except about 12-15 C coastal areas in onshore winds.

GOOD FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals, isolated showers or thundershowers, warm and muggy, temperatures similar to Thursday.

WEEKEND ... Not much change but possibly more sunshine and fewer showers around on Saturday especially, highs could reach 20-22 C inland.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Warm again Monday, slight cooling trend during the week as east winds strengthen again and back to northeast. Highs by mid-week could be back into mid-teens.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Snow across parts of the upper Midwest and lower Great Lakes on Monday, cold rain a bit further south, but warmer air is establishing itself across the southeast and east coast as far north as about New York City now. Chilly across central Canada and much of the west, with outbreaks of snow in the mountains.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday here was reasonably sunny at my location but there were heavy showers up to the north dropping rain at lower elevations and snow on the higher slopes. Staying rather chilly for mid-April, highs today near 12 C lower down but falling off rapidly on the slopes.

M.T. Cranium · 20-04-2011 6:38am

Wednesday, 20 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Apart from showers in the far west, warm and dry in most places today, although chilly sea breezes could affect shoreline areas from about Waterford around to Meath. The best chance for sunshine will be inland through central counties. Winds southeast 10-20 mph. Highs 17-21 C for most places, 12-15 C outer coasts facing south and east. Some dense fog near and off shore. With the western showers, some rumbles of thunder possible this morning in Kerry and near western border of county Cork, and generally 3-7 mms of rain in this western part of the country, mostly dry elsewhere.

TONIGHT ... Hazy, further showers possible in far west, mild, lows in the range of 4 to 9 C, foggy and near 10 C southeast coastal areas.

THURSDAY ... More warm sunshine inland, hazy, some fog returning to east and south coasts, widely separated showers in west near outer coasts mostly. Highs 18-22 C except 12-15 C east and south coasts. Winds SE 15 to 25 mph mid-day.

GOOD FRIDAY ... Early morning showers or periods of rain will develop over far west and pulse somewhat further east at times but eastern half of Ireland likely staying dry. Warm and muggy in general, lows 6-10 C, highs 17-19 C.

SATURDAY ... Staying warm and mostly dry, although chance of showers far west at times, highs 18-22 C.

EASTER SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, risk of a few showers in west, warm, highs 18-22. Continuing very warm on Monday.

OUTLOOK ... Although winds at times will be a bit stronger from the east to southeast next week, the pattern remains largely similar, but eventually some heavier rain could develop near southwest counties. Highs next week are likely to average about 16-19 C. This should guarantee that April 2011 will break a record for warmth in April on average. I don't think we'll see readings as extreme as the all-time daily records which are above 27 C.

Also, anyone planning to travel to England or France over the Easter weekend can expect very warm weather with highs 25-28 C in some places.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Another major outbreak of severe storms with numerous tornadoes on Tuesday across Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana ... so far no deaths reported but considerable damage. This front will settle down a bit overnight and re-fire around Washington DC to Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon. The very warm and humid air mass will not make much impact on New England due to entrenched colder air and east winds, and this storm in general will be followed by several days of cooler weather as a chilly high is now settling into the central states. The next warm sector is slowly taking shape over west Texas. Despite days of rather cold weather in central Canada, rivers are slowly rising to flood stage in many parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, North Dakota and Minnesota.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER on Tuesday 19th was chilly, even cold at times, with widespread hail showers and snow on the higher slopes. The high was barely 7 or 8 C down near sea level.

Soon it will be looking like this around here as the rhododendrons come into full flower:

M.T. Cranium · 21-04-2011 6:57am

Thursday, 21 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Hazy or even foggy at first, then some sunny intervals developing away from fog-bound coasts, warm again with highs inland 17-22 C. Any morning showers are likely to end shortly. But some coasts may remain fog-bound all day and temperatures there will be 13-15 C.

TONIGHT ... Hazy to foggy with risk of showers returning to south and west before morning, lows 7-11 C.

FRIDAY ... Periods of rain in south, west and later extending to north, some eastern counties remaining dry with a few sunny breaks. Warmest inland eastern to central counties, highs 15-19 C there, but closer to 13-15 C in rain and fog further west and south.

SATURDAY ... Very mild overnight, some drizzle or light rain, lows 8-12 C. A pulse of heavier rain now appears likely to move into the south and spread through eastern counties, with some thunder possible. Despite this, a few sunny breaks could develop here and there with highs of 16 to 20 C. Rainfalls of 10-20 mms are possible especially from about Waterford north to Kildare and Dublin.

EASTER SUNDAY ... After a somewhat colder night with lows 3-7 C, expect partly to mostly sunny skies and highs 13-16 C. The warmer spell with highs in the low to mid 20s will continue over the U.K. and France, and the front will move into Scotland before breaking apart.

OUTLOOK ... The warmer air will try to return west again, but the models are now picking up more frequent frontal waves and disturbances, and it appears that next week may now become rather wet at times especially in southern counties. However, the outlook remains very uncertain with weak features that are challenging for the models to handle.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Colder air has now moved into most eastern regions from a sprawling arctic high over the central plains states. Warmth has been shoved back south into coastal Texas and the Gulf coast region, and it will take a day or two for any active weather to develop while the pattern today and Friday will be cloudy and cool with southeast winds in this frontal zone.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday 20th was a cloudy, quite cool day with intervals of sleety rain developing in the afternoon and evening, and highs only 6-8 C.

My apologies about these forecasts continually changing around ... the features are weak and therefore giving the forecast models quite a challenge, not to mention yours truly.

M.T. Cranium · 22-04-2011 6:43am

Friday, 22 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Warm and humid with scattered showers or outbreaks of thundery rain, generally not too heavy or prolonged, but there could be a more sustained downpour in western Connacht this afternoon. As a result, rainfalls generally 2-5 mms but potentially 5-15 mms in western Connacht. Highs 17-21 deg C and winds SSE veering SW 15-25 mph. Some eastern locations could avoid most or all of this shower activity and remain largely dry. Sunshine will not be too frequent but will feel subtropical when it does occur.

TONIGHT ... Misty, turning foggy especially south, periods of rain redeveloping across the south after midnight, 5-10 mms expected there, just drizzle elsewhere, lows 10-14 C.

SATURDAY ... Rain continuing at times in the east, fog lifting slowly elsewhere to reveal brighter skies and eventually some sunny intervals (fog may however persist near some western coastlines). Not quite as warm, highs 14-17 C.

EASTER SUNDAY ... A cooler morning than recently (briefly cold around 0600h with lows near 2-5 C in rural areas) ... sunshine from early morning and pleasantly warm mid-day, clouding over later with some light rain spreading into the west by late in the day. Highs 14-17 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, chance of some heavier showers at times, possibly thundery, lows near 10 C and highs near 15 C.

OUTLOOK ... Some warmer sunshine, highs 18-21 C, returning mid-week then intervals of sustained and possibly heavy rainfall later in the week towards the weekend of 30 April to 1 May, with temperatures becoming steady in the range of 12-14 C. The first week of May looks fresher and possibly quite a bit cooler as more of a west to northwest flow develops.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Yet another severe storm producing frontal system is gearing up tonight and Friday over Kansas and Oklahoma. Some tornado and hail storms are likely there later today, and much warmer air is pushing north into the central plains states ahead of the front, with rain spreading across the upper Midwest towards the Great Lakes. It remains rather chilly in the eastern states, but will warm up gradually through the weekend.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday 21st was cloudy with some sunny breaks, and cool, but mainly dry which itself was an improvement. Highs struggled to reach 9 or 10 C.

M.T. Cranium · 23-04-2011 6:49am

Saturday, 23 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Rain will persist through the morning in the southeast, spreading north to Dublin and coastal Meath, east Ulster, and dropping 5-10 mms before a drying and then clearing trend mid-day. Further west, most of the day will be partly cloudy to sunny and dry, but there could be brief isolated showers in Mayo and Donegal (trace to 1 mm likely there) ... for most, a fresher day with lower humidity and highs 14-17 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, mist patches developing, rather chilly with a slight risk of isolated frost, lows mainly 3-6 C.

EASTER SUNDAY ... A bright start with plenty of sunshine likely in the east and south, clouding over during the morning in the west with occasional showers or drizzle to follow, but evening sunny breaks behind this weak front too ... rainfalls only about 1-2 mms at most, not likely to reach the east or south at all ... highs 14-17 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, drizzle or light rain in some areas, rather chilly compared to the past week, lows near 5 C and highs 12-15 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy with sunny intervals, slight risk of showers but mainly a dry day for most, lows near 6 C and highs near 14 C.

OUTLOOK ... More sunshine than cloud mid-week, near normal temperatures in a moderate easterly flow. Cloudy towards the end of the week, humid, outbreaks of rain that could become rather heavy in the south. Warmer again for a day or two in early May before a colder trend sets in on northwest winds.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... As expected, another major severe storm outbreak on Good Friday across parts of Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois, spreading into Kentucky. I have just scanned the reports and thankfully the death or injury toll seems rather low (so far). Very warm and humid air has spread across the southeast, but rain further north is keeping temperatures near 15 C in the northeast states. Sunny and getting slightly milder in the far west.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... We enjoyed some slightly warmer sunshine on Friday and should get a repeat on Saturday under high pressure. The high on Friday was about 16 C but it became quite chilly as soon as the sun went down as the humidity is very low, some scattered frost may occur outside the city.

M.T. Cranium · 24-04-2011 7:12am

Sunday, 24 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Some sunny breaks through layers of high or middle cloud in eastern and southern counties this morning, while a weak front drifts across the west and north, bringing some showers or periods of drizzly light rain ... this front may not produce rain everywhere and will break apart further by afternoon, making for a few sunny intervals almost everywhere at times ... highs 14-17 C and rainfalls generally trace to 2 mms.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with a few spots of rain or drizzle in places, but also a few clear intervals ... lows 4-8 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with a few sunny breaks, spotty light rain or drizzle possible but very little accumulation likely ... highs 13-15 C.

TUESDAY ... Similar to Monday with lows 4-8 C and highs 13-15 C but probably more sun than cloud by afternoon.

OUTLOOK ... Sunny intervals mid to late week in a fairly mild to warm east to southeast flow, highs 15-18 C and overnight lows rather variable depending on cloud cover but potentially giving a few isolated light ground frosts. ... By the following weekend, some potential for heavier showers or periods of rain, but also a bit warmer and more humid ... one or two very warm days to follow before a long, gradual cooling trend that at the moment seems to be pointing towards a colder period well into May.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The fronts stalled across the central and eastern U.S. leading to widespread showers and thunderstorms although not as severe in most cases as on Friday. This will continue today as a new disturbance moves along the front and intensifies. Cool and dry further north but with much of the snow melted (and flooding parts of the prairies) temperatures are now well above freezing to near 10-13 C. On the west coast, sunny and quite warm, clouding over Easter Sunday with rain to follow.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was gloriously sunny and warm (22 C for a high), which is ironic given how awful the weather has been here for many weeks now, but we'll take it. I mean, what choice do we have? :cool:

I hope you all have a happy Easter.

M.T. Cranium · 25-04-2011 6:46am

Monday, 25 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, but a few sunny intervals may develop this morning in the southeast, then by afternoon in Connacht. In between, the remnants of a dying front will produce some light rain or drizzle at times (trace to 2 mms all that is likely from this). Highs 14-16 C. Light northeast winds.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with patchy drizzle and mist, lows 7-9 C. If any clear intervals develop, it could become a bit colder (3-5 C locally).

TUESDAY ... Morning cloud and a little more patchy drizzle, but some longer sunny intervals possible by afternoon. Highs 15-17 C.

WEDNESDAY ... A mixture of cloud and sunshine, with more cloud in the west and north, and possibly along the east coast. Winds east 10-20 mph creating chilly sea breezes in parts of coastal Leinster and Ulster. Otherwise highs may reach 15-18 C.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals each day, highs 17-20 C, although somewhat cooler near east and southeast coasts due to sea breezes in a moderate southeast wind. Nights rather chilly, mist patches, lows 3-6 C in rural areas.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Warm, humid, some outbreaks of heavier showers or thundery rain possible especially in south. Highs 17-21 C. Mild nights. This warmer spell may persist to about mid-week in early May before a somewhat colder trend sets in.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Continuing heavy showers and thunderstorms, not too severe in general, from Oklahoma northeast towards the Great Lakes. South of this front, warm to hot and humid, highs 27-30 C. North of the front, a cooler high brings temperatures near 13 C. Western regions cloudy with outbreaks of rain especially north of Portland Oregon.

A major severe weather outbreak seems likely later today and repeating on Tuesday in the central plains states.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Easter Sunday was cloudier with light rain, and highs of about 12 C. Expecting heavy showers on Monday.

This is part of our spring foliage display (but the picture was taken a year and a month ago, that's how much later this year's spring blooming has been):

M.T. Cranium · 26-04-2011 6:26am

Tuesday, 26 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Mostly cloudy this morning with further light rain or drizzle becoming confined mostly to Munster and the southeast. Further rainfall amounts 2-4 mms in a few places. Sunshine may break through by late morning in the north and by afternoon in central counties, but it could stay cloudy all day in the south. Highs 13-17 C (warmest likely west-central) with moderate E-NE winds 15-25 mph at times this afternoon.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals developing, persistent cloud and some drizzle near south coast ... lows 3-7 C north and central to 7-10 C south.

WEDNESDAY ... More cloud than sunshine in west and south, with some drizzle or light showers possible, but better spells of sunshine in north and east with light to moderate east winds, highs 14-17 C.

THURSDAY ... Generally sunny with a few cloudy intervals, winds ENE 10-20 mph, lows near 5 C and highs near 16 C.

FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals, warm, clouding over later in southeast, winds from the E-SE and lows near 5 C, highs near 18 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Warm and muggy with scattered showers or outbreaks of thundery rain at times, these more likely in the south as well as parts of east Ulster ... lows near 8 C and highs near 19 C. The rainfall potential is probably in the range of 10-20 mms but not likely to be observed everywhere.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Warm and dry for a while, but with a tendency to become more cloudy and cooler as east winds back more to N-NE later in the week ... the GFS model is actually showing quite cold weather around 8-9 May in a northerly flow. This is too far off to be overly reliable but something to check on.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Widespread heavy showers and thunderstorms developed on Monday and moved slowly east through the central states. Very warm and humid further east although north of about Philadelphia, cloudy and rather cool in a southeast marine flow. Western states generally cool and cloudy with outbreaks of rain.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Monday 25th was a cloudy day with frequent showers, highs near 12 C. About 10-15 mms of rain fell, mostly this afternoon.

M.T. Cranium · 27-04-2011 6:45am

Wednesday, 27 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with outbreaks of light rain or showers in western counties, misty at first then partly cloudy, eventually becoming sunny at times further east, isolated showers possible. Rainfalls generally 2-4 mms in west only. Winds SE 10-20 mph, highs 14-16 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, some clear intervals with mist or fog patches developing, some drizzle may linger in northwest. Lows generally 3-7 C but could fall to near +1 C in central to southeast inland given any clear intervals. Winds falling off to calm most places.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy with some longer sunny intervals developing, a bit warmer especially for the west due to less cloud than today ... highs reaching 16-18 C in moderate southeast winds.

FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals in the morning mostly, clouding over gradually by afternoon, some showers developing by evening southern coastal counties ... lows near 4 C and highs near 17 C. Moderate east to southeast winds.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, some showers and risk of thundershowers, but also some sunny intervals, rainfalls likely to be 5-10 mms on average but mostly in southern half of country ... lows near 8 C and highs near 19 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, some sunshine, some showers, lows near 7 C and highs near 18 C.

MONDAY to WEDNESDAY of NEXT WEEK ... In a strengthening easterly flow, warm at first but turning a little cooler each day, highs near 20 C at first then falling off to near 14 C and winds picking up to 20-30 mph, backing somewhat to E-NE and also risk of drizzle or light rain at times in eastern counties. The FURTHER OUTLOOK suggests a cool, cloudy finish to the week and some significant rainfalls around the next weekend with temperatures falling below normal for the first time in quite a while.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Tuesday was a stormy day in parts of the south central U.S. with numerous tornadoes in Arkansas and Texas, and some fatalities reported. This system is heading for the Great Lakes and Ohio valley and will be replaced with a brief interval of cooler, dry weather before a second severe weather event develops on the weekend. Western regions have remained rather unsettled and cool.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Tuesday (26th) was a partly cloudy day with several light showers but also some pleasant sunny intervals, highs near 14 C.

M.T. Cranium · 28-04-2011 6:37am

Thursday, 28 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, mild or warm away from the south and east coasts where sea breezes may feel a bit chilly near shore ... highs generally 16-19 C but 13-15 C near east and southeast coasts, in moderate or light SE winds.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, rather chilly inland, lows dropping to the range of zero to +4 C in rural areas inland, 3-7 C elsewhere. Light winds, and some mist or fog patches developing by morning.

FRIDAY ... Morning sunshine, increasing cloud by mid-day east and afternoon further west, warm, highs 15-19 C. Winds E-SE 15-25 mph. Chance of showers in southeast by evening.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud, mild to warm, muggy, some outbreaks of rain possible in southeast with slight chance of thunder (amounts 5-15 mms), dry in many other places though, lows near 7 C and highs near 18 C. Winds moderate SE to E at 15-25 mph daytime.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, muggy, lows near 8 C and highs near 17. Winds moderate easterly 15-25 mph daytime.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with sunny breaks, some outbreaks of rain especially in southern counties, lows near 10 C and highs near 16 C. Winds easterly at about 20-30 mph.

OUTLOOK ... Variable cloud, breezy and turning somewhat cooler in stages, occasional drizzle or rain especially close to the Irish Sea due to east winds, highs next week in the 13-17 C range. Even cooler weather is possible by the following weekend.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... The state of Mississippi (MS) has suffered some major tornadic storms on Wednesday with numerous casualties and major damage reported. These severe storms continue to move east through the southeast states followed by cooler, drier weather in the central states. It was cold and windy in the far west with heavy showers in places.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Wednesday 27th was a chilly, raw day with heavy showers (hail reported around the region) and highs only 7-8 C with gusty west to northwest winds at times. It felt more like February than late April.

:eek:

M.T. Cranium · 29-04-2011 6:26am

Friday, 29 April, 2011
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TODAY ... Sunny and warm in most places, somewhat cooler near the east and southeast coasts due to sea breezes as the southeast wind of 15-25 mph brings in cooler air ... but otherwise, highs 17-21 C (13-16 C coastal fringes). By afternoon, some increase in cloud in the southeast may lead to an isolated shower around Wexford or Wicklow.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, still rather clear in parts of the north, lows 4-8 C where clear, and 8-10 C further south. A few showers could brush the south coast especially towards morning.

SATURDAY ... Cloudy in the south with a few showers mainly near the south coast, partly cloudy further north, winds continuing ESE 15-25 mph, highs varying from 16-19 C west and northwest, to 14-17 C east and southeast.

SUNDAY ... Extensive cloud but still some sunny breaks, mainly in the north, intermittent rain making slow progress inland from the south coast (amounts likely to be 5-10 mms in places) and foggy at times there, morning lows generally 7-10 C and highs 14-17 C.

MONDAY ... Cloudy, outbreaks of moderate rain likely especially southern to central counties, winds ESE 20-30 mph, feeling rather raw and cold near the Irish Sea and not a lot warmer anywhere else (but more comfortable further west, probably) ... lows near 11 C and highs near 14 C, rainfalls 10-15 mms.

OUTLOOK ... Raw and chilly at times mid-week as winds continue to stream in from the east but now take on a slightly more ENE fetch bringing in much cooler air from the Baltic regions ... highs could be held down to 12-15 C with rain and drizzle, so quite a change in store possibly ... then the models diverge with some guidance suggesting a long cool spell with frequent rain, others saying a slow return to warmer and drier conditions. I tend to think it would be the first of these two but confidence is not very high on that.

Summer forecast will be issued on Monday, 2nd May here ... working on it this weekend ... think you may enjoy it (the forecast, and hopefully, the summer too.)

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Well, as you have heard on the news, Wednesday evening into the overnight hours brought a terrible outbreak of strong tornadic storms in Alabama (this was the extension of the system I mentioned having done a lot of damage in the neighbouring state of MS). Several F4 and possibly F5 storms were reported and these unfortunately hit large populated areas around Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. The overall death toll appears to be at least 300 and could end up higher. Storms continued into Georgia and Tennessee and even into southern Virginia before dying out Thursday morning. The flare-up later Thursday was much less intense and gave a few isolated storms in Florida and the northeast U.S. (the rest of the front had moved out to sea by then). A cooler air mass has replaced the humid air mass but another disturbance will form today in Arizona and move into New Mexico on Saturday. Although rather tame at first, this one may explode late Saturday in west central Texas into southern Oklahoma. Meanwhile, the weather on Thursday in western regions was rather cool and unsettled.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Thursday 28th was a cool, partly cloudy day with a few showers and gusty westerly winds, highs 12-13 C. Snow levels are quite low and the north shore mountains (which appeared briefly through breaks in the cloud) appeared snow covered down to about 700m.

M.T. Cranium · 30-04-2011 6:27am

Saturday, 30 April, 2011
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This April, likely to register as the warmest on record in many parts of Ireland and the U.K., comes to an end today with one more reasonably warm day and some sunshine. After that, considerably more cloud and rain will develop across the south but remnants of the warm spell will be felt in the north especially in Connacht. Then, it appears that the warmth will gradually return, as some models with colder outcomes in about a week's time have begun to back away from that scenario.

TODAY ... Sunny intervals, but more cloud than recently in the southeast, with scattered showers or thundery rain outbreaks to follow ... winds ESE at about 10-20 mph inland and 20-40 mph near exposed coasts and on hills ... warm away from the cooler southeast coasts ... highs 17-20 C but 14-17 C in the southeast. Some rainfalls of 5-15 mms possible mainly around Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow and some other parts of the south and east, mainly late afternoon to evening hours.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, mild, some outbreaks of rain or fog and drizzle across the south ... winds ESE 15-30 mph, lows 7-12 C.

SUNDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals in Connacht mostly, scattered outbreaks of rain heavier in the south and southeast, 5-15 mms possible there, staying dry in some parts of the north. Winds E 20-30 mph, highs around 15-17 C north and 13-15 C south.

MONDAY ... Breezy to windy, rather chilly with outbreaks of rain or drizzle heavier in the south, 10-20 mms possible there, winds E 20-40 mph, lows near 8 C and highs near 13 C (feeling colder in the wind).

TUESDAY ... Further showers or periods of rain in moderate east winds, cool, lows near 6 C and highs near 12 to 14 C. Winds E 20-40 mph.

OUTLOOK ... Further showers at times, but winds a bit slacker by mid-week and then turning slightly milder again as winds veer more southeasterly. Highs towards 15-17 C by end of the week. There is still some slight chance of a colder outbreak developing but this is phasing out of most model forecasts.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... Friday was mild and sunny across many parts of the east, with warmer air moving back into Texas. Hot and dry across the desert southwest and west Texas (highs to 40 C in places). Cool and variable across the northwest U.S. into central western Canada, with a snowstorm developing eastern Montana and southern Saskatchewan moving towards western North Dakota and western Manitoba for Saturday. Even though it's flooding near Winnipeg, late Saturday could bring blizzard conditions with that flooding reaching a crest.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Friday 29th was a sunny day with frequent cloudy intervals, cool, highs near 12 C, in a northerly flow. Frosts tonight as the skies clear.

M.T. Cranium · 01-05-2011 7:29am

Sunday, 1 May, 2011
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TODAY ... Cloudy with showers or outbreaks of thundery rain at times in the south, with some northward spread to about south Clare across to Wicklow by afternoon. Rainfall amounts 5-15 mms. Highs near 15 C in the rain and winds ESE 20-35 mph (gusty at times, slack at other times). Further north, brighter intervals and some sun for parts of Ulster, also a bit warmer with highs 16-18 C. Breezy here also, SE 15-30 mph.

TONIGHT ... Further outbreaks of thundery rain likely, 10-20 mms possible, mostly in the same southern counties as today but with some northward spread later, winds continuing SE 15-30 mph and lows 8-11 C. Fog on hills and misty at lower elevations by later tonight.

MONDAY ... Cloudy with showers, and some intervals of heavier thundery rain by afternoon. Potential for 15-30 mms of rain in some parts of the south. Rain will spread to the north during the day. Winds ESE 20-40 mph and chilly with highs only 12-15 C.

TUESDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, cool and windy (SE 15-30 mph) with lows near 7 C and highs near 13 C. Rainfall potential 5-15 mms.

WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY ... Milder again and humid, SE to S winds at 15-30 mph, foggy at times, showery but also some dry intervals and limited amounts of sunshine. Lows generally 6-8 C and highs 15-17 C.

NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER ... A few severe storms in Arkansas and Texas on Saturday, but so far not too major, potential for a meso-scale thunderstorm complex over Texas later tonight (local time) ... hot and dry further west but cool and dry to the north of a sagging front now located in west Texas and southern New Mexico. This cooler air mass has settled into most of central and western North America with a small but powerful snowstorm pushing northeast across North Dakota into Manitoba at this time, spreading as much as 15-30 cms of snow on strong northerly winds. Meanwhile, the east is generally warm and showery.

MTC's LOCAL WEATHER ... Saturday was a sunny day with considerable cloud off to the north, where it looked rather showery. This cloud began to break up late afternoon and it remained dry here. Highs were about 14 C.

My summer outlook will be posted with the forecast on Monday morning.

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

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