Ireland ‘first storm of season’ in DAYS with ‘early signs’ pinpointed amid Met Eireann wind and rain warning alert

IRELAND could be battered by the first storm of the season next week as a deep low pressure system develops off the coast.

Forecasters are warning an active jet stream could drive the system towards Ireland, bringing windy and stormy conditions on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Kenneth McDonagh from Donegal Weather Channel said: “The ECMWF, GFS, UKMO AND GEM weather models are showing a potential for a developing low pressure system moving up close to Ireland on Tuesday or Wednesday next week with some early signs showing a potential for the first storm of the season.

“It is early days yet but it’s something that I will be keeping a eye on over the next few days.”

And Kenneth explained that some weather charts are already showing jet stream speeds of between 160kmh and 190kmh next Tuesday and Wednesday.

These strong winds, high above the Atlantic, could help bring the developing storm towards Ireland.

He explained: “The chart shows a classic Atlantic cyclogenesis setup, with a deep low-pressure system developing west of Ireland and being driven towards/around Ireland by a very active jet stream.”

However, he added: “This is a GFS forecast around a week ahead, and the exact track and depth can change considerably between model runs.”

And he’s not the only one forecasting a potential storm.

Nick Critch from Weather Alerts Ireland said: “The first risk of a storm is forecast on the morning ECMWF model.

“Other models are forecasting a low moving towards Ireland but uncertainty remains on whether it will deepen as it approaches Ireland.

“I will watch the models and keep you up to date!”

Meanwhile, Met Eireann has said it could issue wind and rain warnings next week as a potential storm takes hold.

The national forecaster said: “Low pressure will remain dominant next week. It will remain unsettled with wet and blustery conditions at times.”

However, the country will enjoy a mostly dry and bright day today as any lingering rain and cloud in the east and south clear early on.

Sunny spells will develop across much of the country, with just the odd shower expected in western and northern counties.

Highest temperatures will range from 14C to 19C, with light winds throughout the day.

Tonight will start off dry with clear spells before cloud builds from the west overnight.

Some rain and drizzle will develop in the west and northwest by morning, with temperatures dropping to between 7C and 12C.

Tomorrow will be a breezier day, with sunny spells in the east and some patchy rain and drizzle elsewhere.

Cloud will thicken throughout the day before more persistent rain moves into the western half of the country by evening.

Highest temperatures will range from 15C to 19C.

And Friday is expected to be a brighter day before the weather takes a turn over the weekend.

Speaking about the rest of the week, Met Eireann said: “A brighter day on Friday but it will become more unsettled this weekend with rain and breezy conditions at times.

“Daytime temperatures will be in the mid to high teens.”