Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 23:00, Wednesday 18 February 2026 until 00:00, Friday 20 February 2026
Small Craft Warning
Northwest winds will reach force 6 or higher on Irish coastal waters from Carnsore Point to Slyne Head to Fair Head.
Gale Warning
Northwesterly winds will reach gale force 8 at times on Irish coastal waters from Roches Point to Valentia to Slyne Head.
Atlantic Swell
On Atlantic coasts.
Meteorological Situation at 21:00 UTC
A complex area of low pressure with a centre low of 990hPa lies to the west of Ireland with a second centre low of 986hPa located to the south of the country.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Hook Head to Mizen Head to Loop Head
Wind: Northwesterly force 6 to gale force 8. Soon becoming force 5 to 7. Later becoming westerly force 4 or 5, backing southwesterly force 4 to 6, and occasionally force 7 by the end of the period.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Scattered showers soon. Mist and fog patches too.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in any precipitation, mist or fog.
Forecast for Loop Head to Rossan Point to Belfast Lough
Wind: Southeasterly or cyclonic variable force 4 to 6, veering southerly imminent. Veering westerly force 6 to gale force 8 between Loop Head and Erris Head. Late becoming westerly force 5 or 6, backing southwesterly by the end of the period.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Scattered showers soon. Mist and fog patches too.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in any precipitation, mist or fog.
Forecast for Belfast Lough to Wicklow Head to Hook Head and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Easterly force 4 to 6, decreasing force 3 to 5 imminent. Soon backing north to northeast force 2 to 4. Later increasing westerly force 4 or 5.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Scattered showers soon. Mist and fog patches too.
Visibility: Reducing moderate or poor in any precipitation, mist or fog.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 00:00, Saturday 21 February 2026
Fresh to strong southwesterly winds will occasionally reach near gale force strength on Friday and gradually ease moderate to fresh on Saturday morning. Weather: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain or scattered showers.\n\n
Forecast issued at: 23:00, Wednesday 18 February 2026
All times are local unless specified
