Small craft warning for south and southwest coasts

Met Éireann has issued a small craft warning for the stretch from Hook Head to Roche’s Point and on to Loop Head.

West to northwest winds are expected to reach force 6 at times.

The warning is valid from 4am to 11am on Wednesday and was issued at 10:40am today.

Ireland is set for a wetter-than-average fortnight as a mobile Atlantic weather pattern dominates. Today will bring a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, with rain spreading nationwide overnight. Wednesday will start wet, particularly in the north, before showers ease westwards, while Thursday sees an unsettled pattern with coastal showers and drier conditions in the southeast. Friday and Saturday will bring persistent rain to western and northwestern areas, gradually spreading east, with occasional local downpours.

Next week will remain unsettled, with frequent rain and showers accompanied by moderate to fresh winds. Temperatures are expected to be slightly below normal, and rainfall well above average. By mid-September, high pressure may build from the south, bringing more settled conditions to southern and eastern parts of the country.

Overall, the outlook points to a continued wet and changeable period across Ireland.