A supercharged jet stream is roaring across the Atlantic, bringing with it frontal systems that are set to cause weather chaos for Ireland.
Met Eireann has given an unusual update, warning that the country will be blitzed by both “fresh polar maritime air” and “mild tropical maritime air” over the weekend and into next week.
In its weekly forecast for Friday, October 7 until Thursday, October 13 it said: “A mobile westerly air-flow looks set to dominate during this week with frontal systems moving in from the Atlantic at times.
“As Ireland lies near the polar front, alternating incursions of fresh polar maritime air and mild tropical maritime air are expected.”
The national forecaster said that overall, temperatures are expected to be close to average with rainfall amounts higher than normal in western, northern and central areas.
It added that parts of the northwest could see some substantial rain with the potential for flooding at times.
It comes as thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain and gusty winds all hit Ireland today.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the meteorological service said: “Thursday will be a blustery and showery day, with scattered showers in the morning, turning heavy at times and becoming more frequent by afternoon. The best of any sunny spells will be in the south and southeast. Highest temperatures of 13C to 17C, in moderate to fresh and gusty southwest winds, strong at times in the west and northwest.
“Clear spells and scattered showers to start the night. A band of more persistent rain will spread from the northwest overnight, turning heavy in places. Rather breezy with moderate to fresh and gusty southwest winds. Lowest temperatures of 9C to 13C.”
It’s expected that it will be a breezy, wet and at times chilly end to this week, with Saturday likely to be the best day.
Giving its weekend forecast, Met Eireann said: “Any lingering rain will clear to the southeast on Friday morning. A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers will follow for the rest of the day. Feeling cool with highest afternoon temperatures of 11C to 15C in moderate westerly winds.
“Turning largely dry early on Friday night with clear spells and isolated showers. Quite chilly with lowest temperatures of 5C to 9C in light westerly winds.
“A much drier day on Saturday with sunny spells and just a few light showers. Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C in light to moderate southwesterly winds.
“It will stay mostly dry on Saturday night with clear spells to start. However, it will turn cloudier overnight with rain developing in some western areas towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 8C to 11C in light to moderate southerly winds, freshening overnight.
“Becoming wet and windy on Sunday as rain spreads eastwards across the country. Southerly winds will increase fresh, turning strong at times in the west. Highest temperatures of 13C to 16C.”
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