Irish weather forecasters are warning of unsettled conditions ahead, with heavy downpours and potential thunderstorms set to dominate the June bank holiday weekend.
Met Éireann has issued its preliminary forecast for the long weekend, cautioning that while specific details may change, the current pattern of changeable weather looks likely to persist through the coming days and into next week.
The meteorological office describes the outlook as particularly uncertain, with spells of heavy rain, scattered showers, and the possibility of thunder creating challenging conditions for outdoor activities. Gale force winds are also expected to affect northwestern coastal areas on Wednesday night.
Today’s weather pattern sets the tone for what’s to come, with rain giving way to drier conditions this afternoon before cloudy skies and patchy mist return overnight. Wednesday promises to be mostly dry with bright intervals, though heavy rain will return overnight.
Thursday will see cloudy conditions with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, particularly heavy across northern regions. While some sunny spells may develop, especially in the north and northwest, scattered rain and drizzle will persist, particularly in southern areas. The unsettled conditions will intensify Thursday night with widespread heavy rain across Connacht and Ulster.
Friday remains highly uncertain in the forecast, though rain is expected to clear eastwards through the morning, potentially giving way to sunshine interrupted by scattered showers.
The bank holiday weekend itself presents a mixed picture. Saturday may start dry but a band of showery rain is forecast to sweep in from the west during the morning and afternoon. After this clears toward the Irish Sea, sunshine and scattered showers will follow, with some heavy downpours expected in the northwest and the possibility of thunder.
Sunday, which marks the first day of meteorological summer, will bring a characteristic mix of sunshine and showers. A longer spell of rain is expected to spread from the west, with thunder possible, particularly in northern regions. Breezy to windy conditions will add to the unsettled feel, especially along western and northern coasts.
Bank Holiday Monday rounds out the weekend with more of the same: sunshine alternating with scattered heavy showers and temperatures ranging from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius.
The forecast represents a continuation of Ireland’s typically changeable late spring weather, likely disappointing those hoping for settled conditions for outdoor bank holiday activities. Met Éireann emphasizes that the extended forecast remains subject to change as the weekend approaches.