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
MONTHLY FORECAST, ISSUED TUESDAY 25 MARCH 2025
Week 1 (Monday 31 March to Sunday 06 April)
There’s a strong signal for High Pressure to dominate into the first week of April with the high centred to the north or northeast of Ireland. This means mainly settled conditions are likely. Drier than normal conditions can be expected with mean air temperatures near or just slightly above average. Feeling warm in any sunshine but there is potential for chilly nights under clear skies. The potential for hazards or warnings during this period is considered minimal.
Week 2 (Monday 07 April to Sunday 13 April)
A decline in high pressure to the north is indicated during this period with low pressure becoming a little more dominant to the south of Ireland. Northern parts of the country are likely to be driest while southern parts might see closer to average rainfall amounts. Mean air temperatures are signalled to be near or slightly above normal for the period although this does not preclude the chance of big swings in temperature which would be typical for spring. The potential for hazards or warnings during this period is considered low.
Week 3 (Monday 14 April to Sunday 20 April)
A shift towards lower pressure is slightly favoured for this period. This would indicate a greater chance of shower activity or frontal passages bringing longer spells of rain at times. Slightly wetter than average conditions are signalled across much of Ireland with near average rainfall in the northwest. Mean air temperatures are signalled to be around average.
Week 4 (Monday 21 April to Sunday 27 April)
Low pressure is again slightly more favoured for this period, indicating a greater chance of shower activity or frontal passages bringing longer spells of rain at times. Wetter than average conditions are possible. Mean air temperatures look to be near normal for late April.
SEASONAL OUTLOOK FOR April May June (AMJ)
The signal from the C3S seasonal models for Ireland during the AMJ period is for above average temperatures. Rainfall amounts are less certain with the possibility of precipitation trending below average overall.
Mean temperatures during AMJ are signalled to be above average overall. Temperatures are likely to trend between 0.5 and 1.0°C above average over the three-month period.
The rainfall forecast is less certain, though there is the potential for drier spells, especially in April. There is also the slight chance of wetter than average conditions developing for May.
The sea surface temperatures around Irish coasts are expected to be above average during AMJ, trending 0.5 to 1.0°C degrees higher than normal.