Met Eireann has issued a warning about a possible severe shift in the weather pattern for Ireland.
While this week has started off mild and reasonably settled, there are concerns that conditions could turn wet and windy.
The national forecaster said: “Later in the week, a Scandinavian High may slip backwards and low pressure in the nearby Atlantic may advance closer too, thus lining Ireland up in a possible southeast airflow.”
READ MORE: Irish government urged to tackle killer air pollution new EU report found is claiming young lives
READ MORE: Green Party Minister rejects bid to curtail fossil fuel lobbying
A 'Scandinavian High' is a high-pressure weather system that can affect Ireland's weather patterns. It’s a large, stable high-pressure system that forms over Scandinavia and extends southward towards Europe.
The phenomenon can cause a shift in the weather patterns over Ireland, which can result in either cold and dry weather or mild and wet weather, depending on the time of year.
According to forecasters, when the 'Scandinavian High' wavers or shifts, it can lead to severe weather conditions for Ireland. The shift can cause a change in the jet stream, which can bring in strong winds, heavy rain and flooding.
Meanwhile, a southeast airflow can bring milder temperatures and humidity to Ireland, as air flowing from the southeast tends to be influenced by warmer air masses from the continent.
It can also bring in moisture from the Atlantic, leading to clouds and potentially bringing rain or stormy weather.
Met Eireann monitors the weather patterns closely and will issue warnings if severe weather conditions are expected.
Giving its overall forecast for this week, the meteorological service said to expect heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds at times, with mild temperatures of up to 19C.
In a day-by-day breakdown, Met Eireann said: “Most areas will be dry and very mild Tuesday with a mix of cloud and hazy sunshine. Thicker cloud will however bring patchy outbreaks of drizzle to parts of the Atlantic coast. Some mist or fog may move into southern coasts too. Highest temperatures of 13C to 18C or 19C, best values across the midlands and west, with light to moderate southeasterly breezes.
“Wednesday will be largely dry with a mix of cloud and hazy sunshine - breezier however as compared to recent days in moderate to fresh southeast winds. Low cloud and patchy drizzle may also affect the south coast. Highest temperatures of 14C to 18C or 19C, again best values across the midlands and west.
“Some limited bright spells in the morning Thursday but overall a cloudy day with outbreaks of rain in the southwest extending to all areas through the morning and afternoon, heavy at times with the chance of isolated thunderstorms. A cooler day than of late with highest temperatures of 11C to 15C generally, slightly milder in parts of the southwest. Fresh and gusty east to southeast winds will gradually moderate.
“A dull and damp start to the day Friday with outbreaks of rain. The rain will clear northeastwards around lunchtime, followed from sunny spells and slow-moving scattered showers from the southwest. Some showers will be heavy at times and there is the chance of isolated thunderstorms. Highest temperatures of 15C to 18C, possibly reaching 19C, in mostly light southwesterly breezes.
“Some uncertainty in the details for Saturday but it will likely start cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, gradually clearing eastwards and followed by sunny spells and showers from the west. Further outbreaks of rain may push up from the south affecting southeastern and eastern coasts later in the day. Highest temperatures of 13C to 17C in light southerly or variable breezes.
“A mix of cloud and sunny spells to start the day Sunday along with well scattered showers. Heavy outbreaks of showery rain will build from the west later in the day. Highest temperatures of 15C to 18C generally in light to moderate south to southwest winds.
“Current indications suggest it will be unsettled early next week with spells of rain and showers. Mild again for Monday before turning cooler with temperatures reaching the low to mid-teens for most.”
READ NEXT:
Donald Trump Jr slams Ireland's proposed hate speech legislation
Heartbreaking scene in Dublin as horse put to sleep after collapsing on street
Aer Lingus regional summer schedule takes-off with holiday hot spots added
Irish at Met Gala: Stars snapped looking glamorous on red carpet
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
