As Hurricane Ernesto wreaks havoc in the Caribbean, with torrential rain lashing Puerto Rico and widespread power outages across the US territory, questions arise about its potential impact on Ireland. The storm, the fifth named of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, is set to intensify into a major Category 3 hurricane, with Bermuda bracing for possible hurricane conditions by Saturday.
However, according to Met Éireann, any remnants of Ernesto reaching Ireland are likely to be minimal. Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock suggests that by the time the storm approaches Ireland, it could be significantly weakened or reduced to a typical low-pressure system.
“The most likely effect we’ll see out of it is a spell of mild and wet air,” Doran-Sherlock told the Irish Examiner. “We are not seeing any indications of major impacts. It might be nothing, we might see nothing, or it could just be a wet day.”
According to Irish Examiner, as for those heading to Electric Picnic this weekend, the weather looks generally favorable. Friday, the festival’s opening day, is expected to be mostly dry with sunny spells and temperatures reaching up to 21°C. While isolated showers may hit the west and northwest, the night should remain dry, though temperatures could drop as low as 8°C.
Saturday may bring some scattered light showers in the morning, particularly in the west and northwest, but the afternoon promises better sunny spells, especially in the east and south. Temperatures will hover around 20°C, and the evening should see improved weather with only isolated showers.
Sunday’s forecast is a mix of cloud, sunny spells, and scattered showers, with more sunshine expected in the evening. As night falls, light rain and drizzle may develop in the west and southwest.
Looking into next week, the weather remains mixed, with spells of rain or showers interspersed with drier intervals—leaving festival-goers with hope for a mostly pleasant Electric Picnic experience, despite the distant rumblings of Ernesto.