Rain next week may 'wash' ash out of atmosphere

Volcanic ash cloud:VOLCANIC ASH in the atmosphere which has caused the closure of many airports across Europe may hit Ireland on Monday or Tuesday, according to the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning.

At a meeting of the taskforce yesterday Evelyn Cusack of Met Éireann said an area of high pressure was keeping the plume from settling directly over the Republic and this is expected to remain the case until tomorrow at least, with cooler weather moving in on Monday and Tuesday.

According to Ms Cusack, the cooler weather expected then may bring rain which would “wash” ash out of the atmosphere. This may leave a dust-like coating where the rain falls.

Maurice Mullen, assistant secretary general of the Department of Transport, said reports from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre and Met Éireann as well as air quality reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were being constantly monitored. He stressed there were as yet no air quality, public health or environmental concerns.

Mr Mullen said rain was expected in Scotland by today or tomorrow at the latest and this would be monitored closely for its effects on the ash plume. Any necessary warnings for people with asthma would be given at that time, he said.

While a number of people have already reported dust on cars, Met Éireann head of division Gerald Fleming said this was likely to be as a result of normal levels of dust not being blown away, due to the current high pressure area over Ireland.

Europe-wide monitoring has indicated the plume is widest in the lower to middle atmosphere, with a smaller area covered in the upper atmosphere, he said.

At levels of up to 20,000 feet the ash plume was covering Scandinavia, northern Europe and southern Britain and some coastal areas of counties Cork and Kerry, were predicted to be covered at 6am this morning.

At levels between 20,000 feet and 35,000 feet the plume was covering a smaller area – roughly corresponding to mid-Scandinavia, northeastern Europe and the Alps.

There are no reports of ash above 35,000 feet.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) permitted the partial reopening of Irish airports yesterday afternoon. Transatlantic flights were able to operate but flights to the UK and Europe remained severely restricted if not cancelled.

The IAA is expected to comment today on the prospects of reopening flights to Spain and Portugal.

The taskforce said Irish travellers abroad in the areas affected should stay in touch with their airline and follow local advice.

Met Éireann said the prevailing winds are expected to return to their usual position of blowing from the southwest by Wednesday, a feature which is expected to take the plume away from Ireland.

For the outlook Ms Cusack said there was “always” a volcano exploding in Iceland and it was very rare for a combination of elements to bring the plume down over Ireland.