Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for seven counties along Ireland’s west coast, with strong and gusty southwest winds expected on Sunday. The warning affects Kerry, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo from 4pm until 10pm.
The weather service warns of potential impacts including wave overtopping along coastal areas, displacement of loose objects, fallen trees and branches, and difficult traveling conditions. Residents in affected counties are advised to secure outdoor items and exercise caution when traveling during the warning period.
Friday will be mostly dry across much of Ireland with spells of sunshine and scattered showers primarily affecting Munster, parts of Connacht, and north Ulster. Met Éireann predicts the showers will be a wintry mix of rain, hail, and sleet, with a possibility of light snow over higher ground and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will reach highs of 7°C.
Once the sun sets Friday evening, temperatures will plummet to lows of -2°C overnight. Scattered wintry showers will continue mainly in northern and western areas, though some will extend eastward at times. The sharp temperature drop will create frost and ice conditions across the country.
Saturday will begin very cold with frost, ice, and fog slow to clear, according to Met Éireann. Cloud will build from the west through the afternoon, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle following in the evening. Temperatures will range from 4°C to 8°C during the day.
Sunday marks a shift toward milder conditions, though accompanied by unsettled weather. Rain spreading across the country Saturday evening will prevent temperatures from falling below 3°C generally overnight. Sunday will be windy with widespread rain continuing, turning heavy in places with potential for hail. Temperatures will reach up to 12°C in some areas, significantly milder than the preceding days.
The weather pattern reflects the transition from cold, frosty conditions to a milder, wetter regime as Atlantic weather systems move across Ireland. Residents should prepare for varying conditions throughout the weekend, from icy mornings to windy, rainy conditions by Sunday evening.