August Bank Holiday weekend has been eventful so far, with the arrival of the first named storm of the Autumn/Winter season. Gale-force winds, heavy rain, and widespread travel and power disruptions have been experienced across the country. This comes after Munster, in particular, endured the wettest summer on record, following one of the hottest Junes ever recorded in Ireland. The summer of 2023 has thrown a multitude of weather conditions at us, and now there is yet another dramatic twist on the horizon.
According to the latest forecast models, the end of this week could see a significant jump in temperatures, soaring from the late teens to 26 degrees Celsius. Bright sunshine and tropical winds are also expected to accompany this heatwave. It sounds like perfect beach and BBQ weather, but there is a catch – the August heatwave may only last for a brief 48 hours.
Met Eireann’s latest forecast predicts that the unsettled weather will continue until at least Wednesday. While it may not be as wild as it has been since Storm Antoni made landfall late yesterday night, cloudy and windy conditions are expected. However, most forecast models indicate a potential break in the endless low pressure systems that have been battering the country for weeks. Temperatures could rise to 25 or 26 degrees Celsius by Thursday. The popular Carlow Weather Twitter account even hints at a genuine change in the weather after weeks of misery.
The forecast for Munster this afternoon, according to Met Eireann, suggests some clear spells overnight, with scattered showers. West to northwest winds will moderate and become mostly light inland, allowing patches of mist and fog to form. Lowest temperatures will range from 8 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Sunday, the 6th of August, will bring a mix of sunshine and scattered showers. The showers will become isolated during the afternoon, with top temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. Light to moderate west to northwest breezes are expected, with the warmest conditions near the south coast.
Looking at the national outlook, the August Bank Holiday weekend will be rather mixed, with persistent rain expected on Monday. Sunday night will be mainly dry, with clear spells and just a few showers in the northwest. Clouds will thicken in the west and southwest overnight, leading to patchy rain and drizzle towards dawn. Lowest temperatures will range from 8 to 11 degrees Celsius, with light southwest or variable breezes.
Bank Holiday Monday will start off mainly dry, but outbreaks of rain in the southwest will gradually spread eastwards over the southern half of the country. Drier and brighter intervals are expected further north, with highest temperatures ranging from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Light to moderate southerly winds will prevail. Further outbreaks of rain and drizzle are forecast for Monday night, becoming lighter and patchier as the night progresses. Lowest temperatures will range from 11 to 14 degrees Celsius, with light to moderate southwest or variable winds.
Tuesday will be mostly cloudy, with further rain or drizzle. These conditions will extend further north later in the day, accompanied by warm and humid conditions moving up from the south. Highest temperatures will range from 17 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday will be warm and humid, with some patchy drizzle and occasional brighter intervals. Highest temperatures will range from 19 to 25 degrees Celsius, with light southerly breezes. Much of Thursday will continue to be warm and humid, with a little drizzle and occasional bright intervals. Later in the day, rain will develop in the west and spread eastwards across the country during the evening and night. Highest temperatures will range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, with moderate southerly breezes.
Friday will bring cooler, brighter, fresher, and breezier conditions, with sunny spells and scattered showers. Highest temperatures will range from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, accompanied by fresh, gusty west to southwest winds.
