Rare summer storm could batter Ireland as expert warns of 'worst case scenario'
Weather models are suggesting the possibility of very strong winds sweeping across the country, but there is still some hope for calmer conditions to follow.
Both the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have flagged the potential development of a low-pressure system early next week that could bring stormy conditions to Irish shores. Ireland may be in for an unwelcome blast of extreme weather next week, as a rare summer storm looms on the horizon. Pic: Niall Carson/PA
Irish weather expert Alan O'Reilly, who runs the widely-followed @CarlowWeather account on X, has been monitoring the charts closely and highlighted next Tuesday as the most likely day for disruption.
'When it comes on Tuesday – look at this – very, very strong winds right across the country. Now, it's a week out. It's very uncertain. It's going to chop and change but the GFS and the ECMWF are both showing the risk of a low pressure storm moving towards us on Monday or Tuesday, hopefully Tuesday,' he said on social media.
While he urged people not to panic, he advised keeping an eye on developments. 'I wouldn't get too worried at the moment but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.'
Monday evening update and an early look ahead at the long weekend including latest weather models showing risk of storm early next week. pic.twitter.com/fa8uJMSn2Z — Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) July 28, 2025
There's also a silver lining. O'Reilly suggested that even if strong winds do materialise, better weather may follow shortly after: 'The good news is that once that clears, high pressure looks more likely to move in for next week so it might be a short-term loss in terms of some wind and rain but then high pressure moving in so fingers crossed that we get that high pressure and the low pressure stays to the north.'
For now, conditions will remain mixed in the lead-up to the weekend.
According to Met Éireann, a good deal of dry weather is expected over the coming days, with temperatures remaining in the high teens.
However, that's set to change by Saturday, August 2, when a band of rain moves in across the country, turning heavy at times.
Sunday is expected to bring scattered showers, with temperatures holding steady in the mid to high teens.
Providing some cautious optimism, O'Reilly added that the most severe projection from the ECMWF might not come to pass.
Good news is the weather model ensembles show that the ECMWF model with storm next Tuesday is currently worst case scenario so hopefully won't end up that bad🤞 pic.twitter.com/pSpVYBANjk — Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) July 28, 2025
'Good news is the weather model ensembles show that the ECMWF model with storm next Tuesday is currently worst case scenario so hopefully won't end up that bad.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
Ireland's Bank Holiday set for a wild turn as Floris blows in
After a calm start to the August bank holiday weekend, it's time to batten down the hatches as Storm Floris is due to land tomorrow. Met Éireann yesterday issued status yellow wind and rain warnings for eight counties as the storm brings 'very strong and blustery winds'. The national forecaster warned of some 'damaging gusts', possible dangerous driving conditions, structural damage and power outages in some areas. Storm Floris is expected to hit early tomorrow, bringing widespread rain which will be heaviest in the north and northwest. Latest high resolution charts for #StormFloris showing strongest gusts in Northern areas and rain moving quickly across the country clearing East by lunchtime Monday. — Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) August 2, 2025 The first of three yellow alerts comes into effect at 2am tomorrow for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. The warnings will remain in place until 1pm. A separate status yellow wind warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim will come into effect from 4am to 4pm tomorrow. Met Éireann warned of possible fallen trees, debris, power outages, wave overtopping and structural damage in areas where outdoor events may be affected. A status yellow rain warning comes into effect at 2am tomorrow for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo and will remain in place until 10am. Spells of heavy rain and a 'chance of thunder' are expected in these areas with potential lightning and localised flooding. The first of three yellow alerts comes into effect at 2am tomorrow for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. The warnings will remain in place until 1pm. Pic: PA Winds and rain are expected to ease gradually tomorrow, with highs of 16C-22C forecast. The outlook is far calmer for today, with clear and brighter spells expected following cloud and rain in the morning. Tomorrow night will be wet and windy as rain spreads from the west and Storm Floris tracks north of Ireland. Tuesday is expected to be drier and brighter. Reporting by Kate Lynch
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Five things to do NOW before ‘unusually strong' Storm Floris weather bomb hits Ireland – including stocking up on food
IRELAND is bracing for "unseasonably" strong gusts of up to 130kph as Storm Floris could hit weather bomb levels. 3 Storm Floris will hit Ireland from around 2am on Monday morning 3 Weather experts said that these early warnings could still be upgraded Credit: Getty Images - Getty A yellow wind warning for Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo will be in place from 2am until 1pm on Monday. Met Eireann warned the public to expect "dangerous travelling conditions, outdoor events may be impacted, structural damage, fallen trees, debris and loose objects, power outages and wave overtopping". Read more in News And Weather chiefs warned UK Met Office meteorologists yesterday said Floris could qualify as a "weather bomb" due to predicted air pressure levels before and during the storm, meaning the Met Eireann urged the public to take extreme care due to the latest major weather event striking over the August bank holiday weekend. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN They said: "An unusually strong jet stream for the time of year will carry the system towards Ireland through the weekend, with the storm deepening rapidly." Ireland set for major weather shakeup over Bank Holiday as storm to bring 'unseasonably' high winds & potential warnings Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday. "However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. "And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west." BE WEATHER AWARE Forecaster Mr Doran-Sherlock also urged Irish households across the country to check weather alerts over the weekend. He added: "Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities." And motorists have been urged to take precautions as "dangerous travelling conditions," fallen trees, debris and loose objects are also expected. RAC breakdown service's Rod Dennis said: "This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of Ireland and the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. "It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured." CREATE STORM KIT The The main things they advise stocking up on and storing away are bottled water, ready to eat food, baby products, pet food, a first aid kit handy, a hot water bottle and toiletries. They advise that you have medications such as inhalers within easy access that you have enough of essential medications to last a few days. TIPS TO AVOID WIND DAMAGE Cut down - or top - large trees which are very close to your home. A fallen tree can cause huge damage to property. Check your windows and electricity cables to make sure that no lose branches are hanging nearby as these can cause a lot of damage during a storm. Alert ESB Networks to any trees in your area that are leaning on overhead electricity lines – or any broken or damaged branches hanging over or on electricity lines. Under no circumstances should you attempt to cut the trees or branches yourself. Make sure windows are firmly closed to reduce the likelihood of breaking glass. Anchor your trampoline so it doesn't blow away in a storm – or even better, dismantle it until the good weather returns. A rogue trampoline could damage your property – or even your neighbour's. Tie down, or store away, loose garden furniture as they can cause damage if they are caught in a storm of heavy wind. If you don't have an indoor area to store garden furniture in, tying your outdoor furniture with sandbags is probably the easiest way to secure it during strong storms. Ensure that cars, motorbikes and garden furniture are stored in a safe place. Vehicles can be damaged by falling trees, heavy branches or lose roof tiles. If you don't have a garage to store such items, remove them from areas where they may get damaged. Have an emergency kit in your home and a fully charged mobile phone. It's advisable that your emergency kit includes emergency contacts, batteries, a torch, waterproof clothes, bottled water and food. Check your flat roof for any wear and tear or damage – and address any issues before bad weather hits. The repair bill for damage caused by a collapsed flat roof could run into tens of thousands of euro. Inspect your roof for loose tiles or damaged chimney pots, and get any problems repaired. Make sure your aerial and chimney is secure. Make sure that fences are securely in place so that they are not blown away during a storm – fences can cause significant damage if they fly into homes or sheds. CHARGE BATTERIES Households are also advised to pack basic supplies to hand, such as stocking up on batteries in case a power cut happens. They added: "Torch, batteries and a wind up or battery-operated radio. Water, any medication and a change of clothes. Key documents and important phone numbers. "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. "It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items." Batteries can play a vital role during power outages as they can be used to charge phones and other communications gadgets. And it helps you to be in touch with family members, friends, access to crucial information and get in touch with emergency services. MAKE A LIST OF USEFUL NUMBERS It is a good idea to make a list of useful numbers to have close by during Storm Floris. This will make things easier on you if you need to make emergency contact during the poor weather. These are good ones to note: Dial 999/112 for emergency services only if needed ESB Networks 1800 372 999 Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050 Irish Water 1800 278 278 It is also a good idea to have a local councillor's number, a relative's number or anyone else you might need to make contact with or check on. The ESB also advise having your MPRN noted during stormy weather and your Eircode is another handy one to have close. SECURE GARDEN FURNITURE With a Status Yellow wind warning in place Ireland is going to be rattled by extreme gusts in the early hours of bank holiday Monday. While the weather still remains calm it is very important to secure garden furniture, in particular trampolines, now to ensure safety for yourself, neighbours and properties. If a piece of garden furniture were to be swept up in the winds and blown into your property you may be faced with severe structural damage. Place anything that can be moved into a shed or indoors inside now. If objects are too big to be placed indoors they should be secured or weighed down. If it is possible to dismantle your trampoline that should be done today while you still have time. 3 Met Eireann have issued four Status Yellow warnings Credit: PA Wire
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Urgent ‘do not use' Storm Floris warning for Irish parents over bank holiday as bouncy castle & playground risk revealed
A MAJOR Bouncy castle alert has been issued to Irish parents before Storm Floris hits the country this bank holiday weekend. The 2 Storm Floris will hit Ireland from around 2am on Monday morning 2 And the HSE has now issued a bouncy castle alert to Irish parents Credit: E+ - Getty The northwest looks set to be worst-hit, with the storm expected to track there through Sunday night and Monday morning, before tracking over Scotland. Met Eireann warned the public to expect "dangerous travelling conditions, outdoor events may be impacted, structural damage, fallen trees, debris and loose objects, power outages and wave overtopping". And now Health bosses urged that they should never be used in storms, strong winds or heavy rain. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Playground equipment is also off-limits in these They said: "Make sure a bouncy castle is installed by an expert. Follow their instructions for its use. "Do not use a bouncy castle in bad weather. This includes during strong winds, storms or heavy rain. "Keep the area around the bouncy castle clear in case a child jumps or falls off. Watch bigger children around smaller children - they could knock them over." MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN If you're using a bouncy castle in better weather, make sure it's set up by a professional and follow all their And even when it's dry, the HSE says children should never be left alone on play equipment. Terrifying moment bouncy castle takes off in freak windstorm flying 40ft into air sending school children plunging Weather chiefs warned Storm Floris will bring "very strong and blustery southwest winds veering westerly, with some damaging gusts". A yellow wind warning for Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will be on alert for heavy rain and potential lightning damage from 2am until 10am on Monday. And Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim will be under a slightly later Status Yellow wind warning, in place from 4am on Monday. Met Eireann yesterday urged the public to take extreme care due to the latest major weather event striking over the August bank holiday weekend. 'Take extreme care' They said "an unusually strong jet stream for the time of year will carry the system towards Ireland through the weekend, with the storm deepening rapidly". Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday. "However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. "By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued.' Meteorologist Holly O'Neill said Saturday's weather will be mainly dry before the She said: "Our bank holiday weekend is looking to bring some mixed weather over the next few days but a good amount of dry spells and some rain at times. "The most impactful of our weather will be over Sunday night and into Monday morning, when Storm Floris tracks to the north of Ireland, bringing rather wet and windy weather which will make for some difficult travelling conditions at times for people, particularly in the north and northwest so please take care. "Saturday is looking to be mostly dry across the country with plenty of sunny spells, the best of which will be over the eastern half of the country while it will be cloudier further west. "For the afternoon and evening, rain and drizzle will move across west and northwest counties with highs of 17C to 23C, the warmest of those again being in the east in just light to moderate southwest winds."
