The ancient Irish weather omen that could bring 40 days of rain starting today
A disruptive mix of thunderstorms, torrential downpours and strong winds are expected today with Met Eireann warning that it will "remain changeable and rather unsettled" for the rest of this week.
For those superstitious of nature, rainfall on July 15 - St Swithin's Day - holds a particularly grim meaning when it comes to weather. According to an ancient legend, if it rains on St Swithin's Day, it will continue to rain for the next 40 days.
The tale, which dates back to 9th-century England, is rooted in folklore surrounding St Swithin, a bishop whose remains were moved from an outdoor grave to a shrine inside Winchester Cathedral on a rainy July 15. Legend has it that the rain on the day of the move was heaven's protest - and that it would rain for 40 days straight to show its disapproval.
This story has sparked the popular proverb: "St Swithin's day if thou dost rain', For forty days it will remain, St Swithin's day if thou be fair, For forty days will rain na mair."
The superstition has carried for centuries, even though meteorologists have long debunked any scientific basis behind it. The UK's Met Office said today: "Since records began there has been no occurrence of rainfall for that prolonged period of time".
But that hasn't stopped people across Ireland from watching the skies a little more nervously on this particular date.
Popular weather account Carlow Weather marked the occasion on social media, prompting a flurry of nostalgic - and slightly anxious - reactions from followers.
One person recalled: "Ah, but who can forget the summer of 2007, when, ironically, the song Umbrella by Rhianna was number 1 in Ireland for 7 weeks while at the same time we experienced 49 consecutive days of rain. Nothing to do with St Swithin's Day mind you, it just always sticks out in my memory."
Another wrote: "I'm sure this happened about 10 or 15 years ago. It rained for 40 days straight after raining on St Swithin's Day."
A third added: "Yes the weather will be changeable for the next 40 days its raining here."
Others kept it simple, with one commenter writing: "I hope this is not true."
And perhaps summing up the national mood, someone else simply posted: "That's us done."
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Pre-season friendly AXED as torrential rain and thunderstorms batter UK with fears more games will be hit
A PRE-SEASON match between Portsmouth and Crawley Town has been suspended hours before kick-off due to torrential rain. Pompey had been due to meet the League Two side in Sussex in their latest warm-up game at 3pm on Saturday. Advertisement 3 Portsmouth vs Crawley Town has been suspended hours before kick-off due to torrential rain Credit: Rex A pitch inspection this morning at Broadfield Stadium deemed the pitch unplayable. Crawley have confirmed fans who bought tickets in advance will be issued with a refund. Other pre-season games due to kick-off today are at risk of being called off. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Meanwhile, pre-season tour against local rivals Leeds at Elland Road. The UK braces for floods as yellow and amber weather alerts have been issued. Thunderstorm warnings are in place in most of England , with only the southwest escaping a potential deluge today. The Met Office says there is a risk of sudden flooding, travel delays and power cuts. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Exclusive CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 3 The Met Office has issues three weather warnings across the UK 3 Drivers navigating deep surface water on the A3 slip-road at Tolworth southwest London today THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. Advertisement The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
UK weather: Torrential rain and thunderstorms to hit as Met Office warns of flooding & summer holiday travel chaos
HEAVY rain and thunderstorms are set to batter Brits this weekend as the Met Office warns of "significant" flooding. The UK has been urged to check travel routes this morning as torrential downpours are expected to spark disruption. 5 Brits were caught out by the heavy rain in London this morning Credit: LNP 5 Lightning above Hastings Pier in East Sussex late last night Credit: Liam Willis/ 5 The Met Office has issues three weather warnings across the UK Credit: LNP Following a spell of glorious sunshine, the The Met Office have issued an amber weather It also includes the whole of London and stretches as far as Cambridge. The alert was in force from 4am this morning and will end at 11am. Read More "Torrential rain, with thunderstorms in places, could lead to some significant surface water flooding during Saturday morning," warned the weather agency. Some communities are "likely" to be cut off if roads flood, with be train and bus delays or cancellations also possible. Motorists have been urged to take care as "difficult" driving conditions are predicted too. Most read in The Sun Thunderstorms may also trigger power cuts and loss of other services to houses affected. Brits have been advised homes and businesses could be flooded "quickly", while "floodwater, lightening strikes, hail or strong winds" could also cause damage. "Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life," the Met Office added. Chief Met Office meteorologist Andy Page said: 'Intense rainfall will impact parts of the UK as thunderstorms move in from France. 'This weekend is expected to be busy on the roads as more schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, so it's important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast. 'There will be spells of more pleasant weather in parts of the UK through the weekend, with some sunny spells in between systems as they move through.' 5 There are two yellow weather warnings, and an amber alert for thunderstorms Credit: MET Office 5 Brits have been warned of flooding and travel chaos Elsewhere, much of the UK, excluding Wales and the south west of England, are under a yellow thunderstorm warning. This came into place at midnight, with "heavy rain and some thunderstorms" predicted until 9pm tonight. The warning on the Met Office website reads: "Rain will likely be locally torrential, bringing 20-30 mm in less than an hour in many places, with 60-90 mm in less than three hours possible in a few places. "Whilst rain will clear from the south of the area by early Saturday afternoon, further thunderstorms are likely to develop here. "As well as heavy rain, impacts from frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail are also likely." Meanwhile, in Scotland, Glasgow and Edinburgh have been issued a yellow weather warning for rain. This will come into effect at 4pm this afternoon, and last until midday on Sunday. Those affected have been warned of "a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services". Delays to public transport and a "small chance" of flooding is also forecast. The Environment Agency has currently issued 30 flood alerts where disruption is possible. And, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has 10 live flood alerts. Although the south west of England may have escaped weather warnings this weekend, looking ahead there's a yellow alert for rain on Monday. It covers Plymouth all the way down to Land's End, but only lasts from midnight to 3am. Despite torrential downpours and thunderstorms for much of the UK this weekend, temperatures will remain warm. Figures are forecast to climb into the high teens this morning, with highs of 22C across the south east by 1pm. Elsewhere, the mercury will remain hovering between 19C to 21C for all today. Tomorrow, Brits can expect a very similar forecast with the same high of 22C. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly, said: 'More warnings could be issued for the weekend and early next week. Keep an eye on the Met Office forecast for updates as the picture develops. 'Within the warm and humid airmass we will potentially see temperatures reaching 30°C or more for parts of eastern England by Friday, with very warm and muggy conditions continuing into the weekend in parts of central and southern England.' Next week, the weather will still be unsettled, with showers and thunderstorms at times. UK five day weather forecast Today Heavy, thundery rain moves north this morning, reaching Scotland by the afternoon. Torrential downpours may cause difficult conditions in places. Scattered showers follow across England and Wales, with thicker cloud and rain in the southwest later. Fresher, but still humid. Tonight Rain, heavy in places across the southwest will spread slowly east overnight, reaching much of Wales and southern England by dawn. Rain, thundery at times will continue across northern areas. Sunday Remaining unsettled on Sunday with showers or longer spells of rain, some heavy and thundery in places. Fresher than recent days but still warm particularly in any sunny spells. Outlook for Monday to Wednesday Low pressure lingers into early next week, keeping conditions unsettled with sunny spells and heavy showers. Showers will gradually ease by Wednesday, with temperatures staying close to the seasonal average.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Met Eireann warns residents in 2 areas to prepare 9 item 'emergency' kit
People in parts of Ireland are being urged to take precautionary measures this weekend, as a fresh weather warning signals the return of hazardous weather conditions. Met Eireann has issued an early Status Yellow rain alert for two counties, with the potential for torrential downpours, spot flooding and even isolated thunderstorms. The 24-hour warning kicks in at 10am on Saturday and remains in effect until 10am Sunday, covering the counties of Cork and Kerry. Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, with heavy rainfall and challenging travel conditions likely across the southwest. The national forecaster said: "Spells of heavy rain with possible isolated thunderstorms. Possible impacts include spot flooding, poor visibility and difficult travel conditions". The rainfall thresholds that trigger a Status Yellow warning include: 20mm to 30mm in 6 hours or less, 30mm to 40mm in 12 hours or less, and 30mm to 50mm in 24 hours. Saturday is set to begin mostly dry, but Met Eireann has warned that showers and longer spells of rain will develop during the morning in the southwest. These will slowly spread across Munster and into south Leinster and Connacht later in the day "with spot flooding possible and with a chance of isolated thunderstorms, especially in the southwest". The day will feel humid and warm with temperatures ranging from 16C to 21C in moderate to fresh southeast winds. However, that warmth may contribute to thunderstorm activity, particularly in the two counties under weather warnings. Rain will continue into Saturday night, spreading further north while southern parts may begin to see drier conditions by early morning. Nighttime lows will drop to between 10C and 15C. With large volumes of rain forecast and ground conditions already saturated in parts, the national forecaster has urged residents in affected counties to be proactive and prepare for the possibility of flooding. Its Be Winter Ready campaign advises households in high-risk areas to have a flood plan in place and to prepare an 'emergency' kit in advance. The advice states: "If you do live in an area at risk of flooding, you may be able to lessen the impact of a flood by taking the time to prepare in advance. Make a flood plan for your family or business so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a flood. Make up a flood kit and ensure that everyone knows where to find it. Practice your flood plan. Ensure that everyone knows what has to be done and what is safe." Met Eireann recommends that a household emergency flood kit should include the following 9 key items: Torch Warm and waterproof clothing Battery-powered or wind-up radio Charged mobile phone Rubber gloves Rubber boots First aid kit Blankets Children's essentials, if required Other important flood preparation tips, according to the Be Winter Ready document, include knowing emergency numbers and keeping a printed list handy. It's also essential to store valuable documents, such as passports and insurance policies, in waterproof containers to protect them from damage. Make a list of your most valuable possessions and be sure you know exactly where they are kept so you can move them quickly if needed. Familiarise yourself with how to shut off your gas and electricity. If possible, prearrange a safe spot where you can move your car, if you have time. Lastly, keep any necessary medication close at hand to ensure it's accessible in an emergency. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
