Sea Area Forecast
Forecast valid from: 11:00, Thursday 22 January 2026 until 12:00, Friday 23 January 2026
Small Craft Warning
Southeasterly winds will reach force 6 or higher today (Thursday) and for a time tonight on Irish coasts from Rossan Point to Belfast Lough to Carlingford Lough.
Gale Warning
Easterly winds will reach gale force 8 at times during Friday for southern and eastern sea areas.
Atlantic Swell
On southwestern and western coasts Wednesday night and Thursday.
Meteorological Situation at 09:00 UTC
A complex area of low pressure (974hPa) centred to the northwest of Ireland, generates a cyclonic variable airflow over the country. A slow-moving occlusion will gradually clear northwards.
Gale Warning: In effect
Small Craft Warning: In effect
Heavy Swell (>4m) : yes
Forecast for Rossan Point to Belfast Lough to Carlingford Lough
Wind: East to southeast force 5 to 7, strongest for northern areas. Later southeast force 4 to 6.
Weather: Rain, heavy at times. Mist and fog patches. Fair later.
Visibility: Moderate or poor at times.
Forecast for Carlingford Lough to Carnsore Point to Valentia and for the Irish Sea
Wind: Between southeast and southwest force 3 to 5. Cyclonic variable force 2 to 4 imminent. Soon gradually increasing easterly force 5 to 7.
Weather: Rain, heavy at times for eastern areas mainly. Some mist and fog patches. Becoming fair soon. Rain later.
Visibility: Moderate or poor at times in precipitation, mist or fog.
Forecast for Valentia to Slyne Head to Rossan Point
Wind: Cyclonic variable or northwesterly, force 3 to 5, strongest for southwest areas. Becoming southeasterly force 4 or 5 later.
Weather: Well scattered showers. Some mist and fog patches too. Rain later for southern areas.
Visibility: Mostly good. Moderate or poor in any precipitation, mist or fog.
Outlook for a further 24 hours until 12:00, Saturday 24 January 2026
Fresh to strong east to northeast east winds, with gales for eastern and southern areas Rain and drizzle, heaviest for southern areas.
Forecast issued at: 11:00, Thursday 22 January 2026
All times are local unless specified
