‘Unsettled’ weather set to continue this week with rain and sunny spells

Met Éireann issues small-craft warning as winds forecast to reach force six

Met Éireann has warned of localised danger for small craft in coastal areas around the entire island, as conditions deteriorate on Wednesday.

Conditions generally for the rest of the week and into the weekend are likely to remain “unsettled” the forecaster said.

Winds are expected to reach force six on the west coast from Roches Point in Cork, via Slyne Head in Co Galway to Malin Head in Co Donegal early on Wednesday morning. The warning is valid from midnight until 11am on Wednesday.

Met Éireann also warned small craft of force six winds in coastal areas in the eastern half of the country for later on Wednesday as winds move across the island. Force 6 winds are expected on coasts from Malin Head to Howth Head, in Dublin, and on to Roches Point. The warning is valid from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday.

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The warnings are “status yellow”, the lowest of three possible marine warnings issued by Met Éireann, for localised danger in “not unusual conditions”.

Tuesday, is expected to be mostly dry apart from a few light showers. The best of the sunny breaks will occur in the east during the morning. Cloud will gradually increase from the west through the day. Highest temperatures are expected to be from 17 to 20 degrees with light southwest or variable breezes.

Tuesday night will be mostly cloudy with some dry weather and some patchy light rain or drizzle. More persistent rain will develop in the west overnight. Lowest temperatures are expected to be in a range of 11 to 14 degrees with light to moderate southerly breezes.

Wednesday morning will be cloudy with rain spreading eastwards across the country and clearing in the afternoon. Brighter, drier weather will follow with sunshine and a few showers. Highest temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees with moderate to fresh southerly winds becoming westerly as rain clears.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue into the weekend with some heavy showers on Friday and the best of the sunshine in the southeast.

On Saturday, rain will spread from the south, and there will be further outbreaks of rain overnight. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

Sunday will be warm and breezy with rain in the morning followed by showers in the afternoon. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees with moderate to fresh southerly winds.

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien is an Irish Times journalist