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 04 MARCH 2025
Week 1 (Monday 10 March to Sunday 16 March)
It is predicted to turn more unsettled this week as the Azores anticyclone declines and low pressure moves into the seas to the west and south of Ireland. As a result, southernmost parts will fare a little wetter than average. However, over the rest of the country, it will be slightly drier than normal for the time of year. Overall, it will be slightly above normal, temperature-wise, over much of Connacht, Leinster and Münster with temperatures trending around normal over Ulster.
Week 2 (Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March)
For week 2, there is a weak signal for temperatures to be slightly above the seasonal average countrywide. It is predicted to be slightly wetter than average in the east and south with near normal rainfall amounts elsewhere. This suggests high pressure may build from the north with an east or southeast airflow for a time over Ireland.
Week 3 (Monday 24 March to Sunday 30 March)
Confidence is low at this stage. The trend of slightly warmer than normal temperatures continues countrywide. However, this doesn’t rule out some wintry showers. For this week, rainfall amounts are predicted to be close to normal over the eastern half of the country and slightly above normal in the west.
Week 4 (Monday 31 March to Sunday 06 April)
There is a weak signal for week 4 that it will be a little drier than normal in all parts of the county, except for the southeast which will have near normal rainfall values. Pressure will be a little higher than usual and the trend for marginally higher than average temperature values continues.
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. Rainfall amounts are less certain with the possibility of precipitation trending below average overall.
Mean temperatures during MAM 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. March may see temperatures over Ireland trending 1.0 to 2.0°C above average.
The rainfall forecast is less certain, though there is the potential for drier spells, especially in April.
The sea surface temperatures around Irish coasts are expected to be above average during MAM, trending 0.5 to 1.0°C degrees higher than normal.