The extended range forecast, which includes the monthly and seasonal forecasts, can at times provide an insight into weather patterns in the months ahead. However, they should not be used for specific planning purposes as they have generally low skill compared with the 10-day forecast. This is because forecasts beyond one week become increasingly uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere. Further information can be found here: Monthly and seasonal forecast explained.
Images: Shutterstock/gabriel12. Met Éireann HQ during Storm Emma 2018
Forecast issued Tuesday, 03rd of March 2026
Week 1 – Monday 09th March to Sunday 15th March
Week 1 is indicating high pressure dominating our weather. This will bring further settled conditions with warmer than average temperatures and drier weather with lower than average rainfall amounts signalled across the country.
Week 2 – Monday 16th March to Sunday 22nd March
While confidence in week 2 is lower, the high pressure signal tends to decline, which allows Atlantic low pressure to have more of an influence over our weather during this period. Average precipitation amounts are signalled countrywide, with temperatures also signalled to be normal for the time of year.
Week 3 – Monday 23rd March to Sunday 29th March
There is increasing uncertainty in the forecast for week 3. Current indications suggest conditions will become slightly more unsettled. There is a slight signal for high pressure to the north of us and low pressure to the south which results in wetter conditions to the south and east while drier than average conditions are signalled to the north. Mean air temperatures are indicating that they will be normal for the time of year again this week.
Week 4 – Monday 30th March to Sunday 05th April
In week 4 the forecast confidence is low. Low pressure continues to be signalled to the south of Ireland this week. That being said, rainfall amounts are signalling drier than or close to normal for the first week of April. There is no signal for warmer or cooler than average temperatures again this week.
Seasonal Outlook for March, April and May (MAM)
The signal from the C3S seasonal models for Ireland during the MAM period is for above average temperatures. There is potential for wetter than average conditions through the three months, particularly in March.
Mean temperatures during MAM are signalled to be above average overall. Temperatures are likely to trend between 0.2 and 1.0°C above average generally. The potential for warmer than average temperatures increases through the period.
The rainfall forecast is less certain but there is potential for wetter than average conditions through MAM. There is a signal for wetter than normal conditions in March with potential then for both wetter and drier than normal conditions through April and May.
The sea surface temperatures around Irish coasts and over the Atlantic are expected to be above average during MAM, trending 0.2 to 1.0°C degrees higher than normal generally. Sea surface temperatures are expected to be highest in comparison to normal during May.