Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 13:00, Friday 20 February 2026 until 12:00, Saturday 21 February 2026
Small Craft Warning
West to southwest winds becoming mainly southwest this evening, will continue to reach force 6 or higher at times during the period on all Irish coasts.
Gale Warning
Southwesterly winds will reach gale force 8 for a time this afternoon on Irish coastal waters from Wicklow Head to Hook Head to Roches Point.
Atlantic Swell
Increasing on Atlantic coasts today.
Meteorological Situation at 09:00 UTC
A small depression of 983hPa centred around 450 nautical miles northwest of Erris Head embedded generates a fresh to near gale southwesterly airflow over Ireland. An associated trough is tracking quickly eastwards over the country. A warm front associated with a large depression of 976hPa centred in the western North Atlantic will push up from the southwest this evening.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Fair Head to Carnsore Point to Mizen Head and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Southwest force 5 to 7 and gusty, occasionally gale force 8 for a time this afternoon. Imminent decreasing force 4 to 6. Decreasing mainly force 4 or 5, occasionally force 6, for a time later, before increasing force 4 to 6 again towards the end of the period.
Weather: Heavy rain in the east with isolated thunderstorms possible, clearing imminently and becoming fair with showers, some heavy. Soon becoming cloudy with rain, drizzle and mist spreading from the southwest. Further outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading from the west towards the end of the period.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation and mist, otherwise good.
Forecast for Mizen Head to Erris Head to Fair Head
Wind: West to southwest force 5 to 7 and gusty. Soon decreasing southwest force 4 to 6. Later increasing force 5 to 7 and gusty south of Erris Head.
Weather: Fair with showers, some heavy. Imminent becoming cloudy from the southwest with rain, drizzle and mist spreading northeastwards. Further outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading from the west later.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in precipitation and mist, otherwise good.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 12:00, Sunday 22 February 2026
Moderate to strong southwesterly winds, reaching near gale to gale force at times in the west and northwest later. Weather; Outbreaks of rain and drizzle clearing eastwards on Saturday night following by showers.
Forecast issued at: 13:00, Friday 20 February 2026
All times are local unless specified
