Your daily forecasts from Boards.ie weather forum (NO CHAT)

M.T. Cranium · 25-06-2017 6:55am

Sunday, 25 June, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, with some patchy drizzle or light rain but this mostly confined to the morning hours, with some chance of a few sunny breaks especially away from the south coast which may remain under low cloud most of the day. Highs about 17 or 18 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain will move rather slowly inland over west Munster, 5-10 mm could fall in Kerry and west Cork, south Clare but largely dry elsewhere. Lows 8-11 C.

MONDAY ... Rain will begin to fragment to showers although one or two of those could become briefly heavy, as a weak front continues to make slow progress eastward during the day. It may remain dry near the east coast until evening. Highs 16 to 20 C, warmest inland east.

TUESDAY ... A few showers during the early morning hours, then variable cloud, isolated showers, some sunny breaks too, and highs about 18 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Overcast except for some brief sunny breaks in the northwest, winds turning northerly and rain pushing into Leinster from the east as low pressure backs up towards Ulster. Rather cool with highs 14 to 17 C.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY will remain mostly cloudy with passing showers or intervals of rain in north to northwest winds of 40-60 km/hr. It will remain quite cool for the end of June with highs near 16 C.

OUTLOOK ... There may be slight improvements around the first weekend of July then back into a very unsettled Atlantic westerly regime that shows no obvious signs of breaking down through the first third of July. Fingers crossed that this will yield to warmer and drier conditions around mid-July.

My local weather on Saturday was sunny and hot, with a high of 32 C. This heat only extends to the Rockies, further east it is quite cool for this time of year with highs across the north central U.S. held down to about 15-18 C (10 or more degrees below their normal values). Further east into New England the weather is seasonably warm with highs near 28 C.

M.T. Cranium · 26-06-2017 6:42am

Monday, 26 June, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some bright intervals this morning in Ulster and north Leinster, increasing cloud elsewhere gradually spreading to all regions, with outbreaks of rain moving slowly east, heavier in north-central counties by afternoon, and then into Leinster by evening. About 10-20 mm will fall in most places but possibly only 3-5 mm near south coast. Highs reaching only 14 to 17 C with occasionally gusty south winds, eventually it will become rather foggy on hills in the northwest.

TONIGHT ... Heavy showers will continue their slow drift east towards the Irish Sea coast by daybreak, and there may be isolated showers elsewhere but a general trend to partly cloudy skies as winds shift more to southwest. Lows 7-10 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few isolated showers, possibly a brief thunderstorm in a few parts of the inland north and east. Highs 17-20 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, cool, a few showers then rain spreading west into Leinster by late in the day, winds backing around to northeast 40-60 km/hr, morning lows near 7 C and afternoon highs 14-17 C.

THURSDAY ... Heavy showers or longer intervals of rain especially concentrated on south central counties, midlands and west of Dublin in central Leinster, as winds continue rather strong and raw from the northeast to north at 40 to 60 km/hr. Lows near 10 C and highs near 15 C.

FRIDAY ... Partial clearing with showers more isolated and mostly confined to flows off the Atlantic into Connacht and Ulster, north Leinster. Continued rather windy and cool, morning lows 6 to 9 C and afternoon highs 13 to 16 C.

OUTLOOK ... Slight improvements are likely over the weekend of 1-2 July and continuing into Monday 3rd with some sunny breaks, only brief intervals of showery weather and temperatures closer to average at 18-20 C. Beyond that, a more unsettled theme will return for a while and temperatures may fall back slightly into the 16-18 C range.

My local weather on Sunday was sunny with high cloud thickening later in the day, and very hot, highs reaching near 33 C (Seattle WA had 35.5 C or 96 F and broke their record from 2006 by almost 5 C deg). We are expecting this heat to moderate today (27 C) and depart for the rest of the week later (low 20s). Severe heat (45 to 50 C) continues in the desert southwest region but it remains rather cool in the Midwestern states (low 20s, normals close to 30 C).

M.T. Cranium · 27-06-2017 7:35am

Tuesday, 27 June, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... As the last of the persistent rain moves away from east Ulster, most regions will start the day partly cloudy, with a few isolated showers redeveloping, then possibly a brief thunderstorm in a few parts of the inland north and east. Highs 17-20 C. Rainfalls today only 2-5 mm at most except near Ulster-Connacht border counties where 5-15 mm possible.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers, lows 6 to 9 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Variable cloud, cool, a few showers then rain spreading west into Leinster and east Ulster during the early afternoon, with winds backing around to northeast 40-60 km/hr, and afternoon highs 14-17 C. Temperatures highest in west Munster and lowest in east Ulster.

THURSDAY ... Heavy showers or longer intervals of rain especially concentrated on south central counties, midlands and west of Dublin in central Leinster, as winds continue rather strong and raw from the northeast to north at 40 to 60 km/hr. Lows near 10 C and highs 13 to 16 C (likely higher in this range in western counties as a little sunshine could break through there at times).

FRIDAY ... Partial clearing with showers more isolated and mostly confined to flows off the Atlantic into Connacht and Ulster, north Leinster. Continued rather windy and cool, morning lows 6 to 9 C and afternoon highs 13 to 17 C, warmest in west Munster and south Leinster.

OUTLOOK ... Slight improvements are likely over the weekend of 1-2 July and continuing into Monday 3rd with some sunny breaks, only brief intervals of showery weather (until heavier showers arrive later Monday) and temperatures closer to average at 18-21 C. Beyond that, a more unsettled theme will return for a while and temperatures may fall back slightly into the 16-18 C range.

My local weather on Monday was sunny and warm but not as hot as the weekend, with a high near 25 C. Further moderation is expected today (high near 21 C) but it should stay mostly dry and sunny.

M.T. Cranium · 28-06-2017 7:22am

Wednesday, 28 June, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Persistent rain spreading west into Ulster this morning will begin to move south, covering much of Connacht and Leinster by mid-day, and Munster by afternoon (evening for furthest southwest coastal areas). This band of rain will drop about 10-15 mm on average and it will be rather chilly during the rain, about 13 to 15 C. Temperatures may get as high as 18 C in west Munster ahead of the slow-moving front, and there could be some sunny breaks in Munster until mid-day. There may also be some clearing by late afternoon in Ulster as the rain moves away. Winds rather light becoming northeast 30-50 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Rain continuing in parts of the east and south, a further 10-15 mm possible there, lows near 10 C. Partly cloudy west and north, lows near 8 C.

THURSDAY ... Rain will edge back towards the Irish Sea but may continue along the east coast for parts of the morning and early afternoon hours. Further west, skies will be partly to mostly cloudy but long dry intervals are likely, with winds northerly 30-50 km/hr. Highs will range from 14 C east to 17 C west.

FRIDAY ... The last of any showers will finally leave the southeast during the early morning, and skies will become generally clear for a while before increasing cloud moves in during the day, lows of 7-10 C and highs 17-19 C.

SATURDAY ... Mostly cloudy with a few sunny intervals, some rain at times in the north, highs near 18 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY are currently looking more settled with sunny intervals and highs 19 to 23 C.

The further outlook is now somewhat improved, at least there is a difference in outcome between various models and some of the outcomes are better than what was advertised while in other cases it remains a bit unsettled. Temperatures will probably recover to near normal values and possibly a little warmer than earlier expected, highs of about 20 to 23 C will be fairly common in early July. There are signs of warmer weather developing mid-July.

My local weather continues very pleasant and dry with some sunshine and a high on Tuesday near 21 C.

M.T. Cranium · 29-06-2017 7:15am

Thursday, 29 June, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy and cool, with rain ending gradually in parts of the southwest, but more rain will arrive in east Ulster and Leinster from Scotland this morning ... some intervals of rather heavy rainfalls could develop around mid-day, at least 5-15 mm will fall but 15-25 mm is possible in Dublin, Meath and east Ulster. Winds northeast to north 30-50 km/hr. Highs 13-15 C east, 15-17 C west.

TONIGHT ... Light rain or drizzle continuing in parts of Leinster and east Ulster, spotty showers elsewhere with some brief clear intervals near Atlantic coasts, lows around 8 C.

FRIDAY ... Brighter intervals developing across the west by mid-morning, but intervals of light rain or drizzle will be stubborn to leave the east coast, probably drying out there by mid-afternoon, improving weather in all regions by late in the day, highs 17-20 C. Winds will back around to northwest then west during the day.

SATURDAY ... After a rather cool start (morning lows 6-9 C), a few sunny breaks in the south and east, mostly overcast west and north, highs 18-20 C. Some light rain will brush northwest coastal counties at times.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, lows 7-11 C and highs 17-19 C.

MONDAY ... Some sunny intervals in the southeast, overcast with occasional rain in the northwest, highs will vary from 22 C in the inland south, to 17 C in west Ulster.

TUESDAY ... Rain tapering to showers, breezy, highs near 20 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Rather unsettled, temperatures generally near normal values with highs not far from 20 C each day in the first week or two of July.

My local weather on Wednesday was partly cloudy with highs near 18 C.

M.T. Cranium · 30-06-2017 7:18am

Friday, 30 June, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some brighter intervals slowly developing this morning across the western counties, while the last of the persistent rain fades to intermittent drizzle in parts of the east. The rather strong northwest winds 40-70 km/hr will continue much of the day but it won't be quite as cool as Thursday, with highs 16-19 C. Better sunny intervals are likely to become widespread by late afternoon.

TONIGHT ... Some clear breaks, chilly. Lows 5 to 8 C. Increasing cloud in the western counties may allow those temperatures to rise before daybreak. Not as windy except in the most exposed northern districts.

SATURDAY ... Some sunshine at first in eastern counties, with increasing cloud, as rain moves onto the Atlantic coasts, possibly heavy for an hour or two around Galway and Clare. This rain will track a little south of due east and arrive in Wexford by evening, anywhere along that track can expect about 5-10 mm, other counties considerably less. Highs will reach 19 C in the south and east and 17 C in the north and west.

SUNDAY ... Prospects are better for Sunday with longer dry intervals and at least a mix of cloud and sunshine, just a few isolated and spotty showers likely, with morning lows near 8 C and afternoon highs near 21 C.

MONDAY ... That same settled weather will try to hold on in the southeast for part of the day while cloud increases in the west and north, rain following by late in the day. Rather warm and humid especially where the sun manages to break through, with morning lows 10-13 C and afternoon highs 18 to 22 C.

TUESDAY ... Rain tapering to showers, highs near 20 C.

OUTLOOK ... It continues to look like a less than ideal July pattern of occasional Atlantic frontal systems with rain on the average of every second or third day, but only average amounts are indicated and temperatures won't be too bad, managing to stay close to average as well. Although the global models have not picked up much of a strong signal, I feel like there is probably going to be a much warmer period around mid-month towards the 20th, but this won't become established for at least two weeks of rather unsettled if unremarkable summer weather.

My local weather on Thursday was sunny and hot again, with highs near 28 C. This is expected to continue today before more seasonable conditions return on the weekend.

M.T. Cranium · 01-07-2017 7:25am

Saturday, 1st of July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some morning sunshine in parts of the east, with increasing cloud spreading across western then central counties by mid-day. Light rain or drizzle will eventually spread in too, but only 2-5 mm expected in a zone from Connacht to the inland southeast. Somewhat less rain will occur in Ulster and some parts of coastal Munster. This very weak system will be drifting into the Irish Sea by this evening. Highs 18 to 21 C.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals developing, fog and mist patches, lows 6 to 10 C.

SUNDAY ... A mixture of cloud and sunshine, isolated showers but many places generally dry all day, highs 18 to 21 C.

MONDAY ... Hazy sunshine in parts of the southeast, mostly cloudy elsewhere, with rain moving into the west by afternoon and heading mostly towards Ulster by the overnight hours. Morning lows 8 to 12 C and afternoon highs 17 to 22 C, warmest inland southeast.

TUESDAY ... Heavy showers and risk of thunderstorms, highs near 20 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Another brief dry interval mid-week, then rather unsettled by the weekend of 8th-9th with gusty southwest to west winds particularly strong near Donegal Bay and across parts of the inland north. Temperatures throughout will stay close to average for July (highs around 20 C or within a couple of degrees either way).

My local weather on Friday was sunny with increasing high cloud, and very warm, highs near 28 C. It is about to turn slightly cooler with more cloud.

M.T. Cranium · 02-07-2017 7:16am

Sunday, 2 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Sunny intervals, with gradual increase in cloud before mid-day in the west, by afternoon further east. Isolated showers may develop but most places should remain dry until well past sunset. Highs 18-21 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with rain developing in Atlantic coastal counties, spreading slowly northeast towards Ulster by morning. Lows 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Rather cloudy in the southeast but mostly dry, highs 18-21 C. Intervals of showery rain elsewhere, 5-15 mm possible, highs 17-19 C.

TUESDAY ... Heavy rain at times during the early morning hours, then most of this activity moving east by mid-day followed by partial clearing, lows 13 to 15 C and highs near 20 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals, chance of rain spreading near the south coast but not very far inland on current guidance, highs 18 to 22 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Thursday may also be relatively dry, then another somewhat more unsettled regime in westerly flow, temperatures near average. The longer term prospects look similar, sometimes a little warmer than 20 C but no large swings in temperature indicated yet. A lot of speculation in weather forum chat and forecast threads about a heat wave in late July possibly lasting into August. This is based on indications of a strong Azores high by mid-month. The heat earlier in June is unlikely to be the only such spell this summer.

My local weather on Saturday was mostly sunny after a cloudy start, and highs reached 22 C, so it was considerably cooler than the previous two days, but pleasant with a refreshing sea breeze.

M.T. Cranium · 03-07-2017 6:43am

Monday, 3 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, quite humid, with a few brief showers this morning, but more persistent rain arriving on Atlantic coasts mid-day, spreading over parts of Connacht and west Ulster by evening. Highs 16 to 20 C. Warmest readings likely in the inland south.

TONIGHT ... Rain heavy at times in Connacht and Ulster, more showery further south and some places remaining largely dry near southeast coast. Lows 11 to 14 C and rainfalls in north 10-20 mm.

TUESDAY ... Heavy showers, risk of a thunderstorm, across east Ulster and north Leinster during the morning, with gradual clearing elsewhere. Becoming sunny by afternoon in most places, warm. Highs 19 to 22 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Warm and humid, some sunny intervals, isolated showers inland north. Lows 11 to 14 C and highs 18 to 23 C.

THURSDAY ... A few showers, warm and humid, lows 10 to 13 C and highs 17 to 22 C.

FRIDAY and next WEEKEND are likely to turn a little cooler again with daily outbreaks of scattered showers, some dry intervals and highs generally 17 or 18 C.

This westerly regime will continue well into mid-July but there is likely to be a warmer interval towards the 20th of the month.

My local weather on Sunday was sunny with a cool breeze and otherwise warm in the sun at about 21 C.

M.T. Cranium · 04-07-2017 7:06am

Tuesday, 4 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rain will be persistent this morning in Connacht and Ulster as well as parts of north Leinster. Slowly brightening skies further south with just patchy light rain or isolated showers. More widespread sunshine likely by afternoon with perhaps an isolated sharp shower or thunderstorm moving east across central counties, not widespread however, and becoming quite warm and humid with highs around 20 to 22 C (except 18 to 20 C west and north coasts).

TONIGHT ... Patchy fog, otherwise clear and mild with lows 10 to 13 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, warm and hazy with highs about 22 or 23 C inland, 18 to 20 C near coasts.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, humid, showers and isolated thunderstorms, warm with lows 10 to 13 C and highs 19 to 22 C.

FRIDAY ... Mostly cloudy, outbreaks of light rain, highs near 19 C.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY will be seasonable in temperatures and fairly settled with just a few brief showers possible both days, but generally dry. Highs 18 to 21 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK to the extent that it can be trusted (probably not very far) appears rather unsettled with temperatures holding near normal, highs 20 to 22 C.

My local weather on Monday was sunny with a cool sea breeze and highs near 20 C. A rather extensive and prolonged heat wave is developing for all western regions of Canada and the U.S., extending at times towards the east coast, but generally based in the west-central regions.

M.T. Cranium · 05-07-2017 8:45am

Wednesday, 5 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some warm hazy sunshine developing across parts of the south today, with cloud more prevalent in the north, along with patchy light drizzle mainly confined to coastal Ulster, highs could reach 23 C in sunshine but only 18 C under more persistent cloud.

TONIGHT ... Low cloud, drizzle or mist, humid and rather warm with lows 12 to 15 C.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, brief showers in some places, highs 17 to 20 C.

FRIDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, followed by light rain by afternoon or evening mostly in the western half of Ireland, lows 11 to 13 C and highs 17 to 19 C.

SATURDAY ... Morning light rain or showers, some clearing later, cool. Lows 10 to 12 C and highs 16 to 18 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy, cool. Highs near 17 C.

MONDAY ... Occasional rain, highs near 17 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Rather cool and unsettled for part of next week with a slight improving trend, highs generally 18 to 20 C.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny and rather warm with highs near 24 C.

M.T. Cranium · 06-07-2017 6:27am

Thursday, 6 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, humid with scattered outbreaks of light rain but also widespread dry intervals and even a few brief sunny breaks. Highs 18 to 22 C. Winds generally rather light.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, drizzle at times, fog or mist patches, lows 13 to 15 C.

FRIDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, isolated showers, slight increase in wind speeds as a west to southwest regime develops (30-50 km/hr at times). Highs near 18 C.

SATURDAY ... Occasional sunny intervals, isolated showers, rather cool with morning lows 8 to 10 C and afternoon highs 16 to 19 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, chance of rain developing in west by evening, lows about 12 C and highs about 18 C.

MONDAY ... Periods of rain developing from west to east, lows near 14 C and highs near 18 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... So far, no indications of any substantial changes as a rather unsettled Atlantic regime continues, in fact, the main theme appears to be stronger winds and heavier rainfalls developing in about a week. Sometimes this sort of signal can lift further north and turn into a warmer spell than expected.

My local weather continues very dry with an increasing risk of forest fires in the region. Wednesday was sunny with a high near 25 C (closer to 30 C inland). Extreme heat is developing further south and will be establishing itself over most western and central regions with highs into the low 40s in places (not here thankfully, we might be near 30 C at times).

M.T. Cranium · 07-07-2017 6:38am

Friday, 7 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with some brighter intervals developing from the northwest by afternoon. Patchy drizzle or light showers in a few locations but only trace to 2 mm amounts likely. Highs 17 to 20 C. Winds rather light, freshening slightly to westerly or northwesterly 20-40 km/hr this afternoon.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers, lows 7 to 11 C.

SATURDAY ... Sunny intervals with more cloud in the southwest than most other places, slight risk of a shower developing there. Highs 18 to 21 C.

SUNDAY ... Increasing cloud, one or two showers likely, lows near 8 C and highs near 18 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, then intervals of light rain, lows near 10 C and highs near 18 C.

TUESDAY ... Sunny intervals, highs near 19 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... More frequent rain with somewhat heavier amounts likely to follow this extended period of quiet and almost featureless weather, as the Atlantic starts to become more active. This could eventually transition to warmer weather but the more immediate outlook (a week to two weeks away) is for near average temperatures in the 18 to 21 C range.

My local weather was sunny and very warm on Thursday with highs near 29 C.

M.T. Cranium · 08-07-2017 6:15am

Saturday, 8 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Some sunny intervals developing this morning, persisting into the afternoon in northern counties, as cloud increases from Munster towards south Leinster, followed by scattered outbreaks of light rain there (1-3 mm at most). Highs 17 to 21 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers clearing east, partial clearing, lows 7 to 10 C.

SUNDAY ... Occasional sunny breaks in southern, central and eastern counties, a few showers arriving late in the day, highs 18 to 21 C. Cloudy from early morning in the north and parts of the west, outbreaks of light rain, cool, moderate westerly winds veering to northwest 30-50 km/hr, highs 13 to 16 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, lows near 8 C and highs near 19 C.

TUESDAY ... It now appears that rain will develop and could become rather heavy, tracking across central counties with 15-20 mm possible in places. Warmer air may reach the south coast and inland south for a time, bringing a humid afternoon with highs near 20 C but further north the rain and cloud in easterly winds may hold temperatures down considerably (near 15 C). As this sort of outcome is subject to last-minute changes, I would say confidence only moderate in these details, the storm track will determine who gets the heavier rain and the eventual temperature field.

OUTLOOK ... Variable cloud, moderate westerly winds, highs 15 to 18 C mid-week, but gradual improvement later in the week with temperatures likely to peak around Saturday (15th) around 23 to 24 C in some places. Then turning cooler with frequent passages of wet frontal systems, possibly quite a wet spell at some point.

My local weather on Friday turned somewhat cooler thanks to a stronger sea breeze (high of 22 C) but it remained very hot inland (35 to 40 C) with forest fires slowly becoming more widespread in both British Columbia and Washington state.

M.T. Cranium · 09-07-2017 6:48am

Sunday, 9 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Southern and central counties will see sunny intervals this morning and increasing cloud around mid-day, with outbreaks of light rain arriving from the north by late afternoon (evening southeast). In these regions, amounts of rain will be very slight, generally less than 2 mm. Highs 18 to 21 C. ... Northern counties will have overcast skies with intermittent light rain (3 to 7 mm) and rather cool for July, highs 14 to 17 C. Winds will sometimes be moderate southwest to west in this disorganized frontal rain band (occasional gusts to 50 km/hr) but there will be less windy spells too.

TONIGHT ... The rapidly weakening frontal band of rain will gradually move through the south with only 1 or 2 mm of rain at most, while slow clearing develops in the north, as winds become westerly 20-40 km/hr. Lows 10-13 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, occasional showers, but a more persistent band of light rain near the southwest coasts by late afternoon. Highs 17 to 19 C.

TUESDAY ... Light rain at times in the south, isolated showers in central regions, light easterly winds as low pressure ripples along the south coast. Variable cloud and mostly dry in Ulster and some other northern counties. Lows for most 10-13 C and highs 16 to 19 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny intervals, lows 5 to 9 C and highs 17 to 21 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, isolated showers, highs near 20 C.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY will turn somewhat warmer in southwest winds, some sunshine each day, any rain will likely be confined to far northwestern coastal areas. Highs 21 to 24 C.

SUNDAY (16th) will turn cooler with rain at times, highs 18 to 20 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK is still looking rather unsettled, briefly rather cool then a warming trend that may lead to very warm weather in the last third of July or perhaps near the end of the month into early August.

My local weather on Saturday was mainly sunny with low humidity and highs reaching 24 C near the coast, 32 to 38 C further inland. There are now several large and dangerous forest fires underway in south central B.C., smoke from these is heading mostly east but there is poor air quality even in coastal areas as more distant fires to our south send some smoke northwards. This is rather early in the summer for critical fire conditions which is troubling (most of the really bad fire seasons peaked in August in the past).

M.T. Cranium · 10-07-2017 6:54am

Monday, 10 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with a few brief sunny breaks, probably more frequent in Ulster and the inland north, and also outbreaks of light rain or showers, generally only about 2 to 4 mm of rain likely, with highs reaching 17 to 19 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast except for some partly cloudy skies in Ulster, and occasional rain developing in west Munster and south Connacht before dawn, lows 10 to 13 C.

TUESDAY ... The south and some central counties will have intervals of rain (possibly as much as 15-20 mm in places), east to northeast winds 30-50 km/hr, and highs 15 to 17 C. The north will be partly cloudy with isolated showers and winds not as blustery, from a north to northwest direction by afternoon. Highs will be about 17 or 18 C thanks to the brighter skies.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly to mostly sunny, pleasantly warm with highs 19 to 22 C.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, scattered showers and highs 17 to 19 C.

FRIDAY ... Sunny, breezy, warmer again with highs 21 to 24 C.

OUTLOOK ... Unfortunately, weather systems have shown a tendency to speed up which is going to bring rain as early as Saturday now but some parts of the south may hold on to warm, dry conditions for the first part of Saturday. The front should be largely through Ireland by Sunday morning, to be followed by a somewhat cooler air mass with highs near 18 C.

My local weather on Sunday was sunny with cloudy intervals and quite warm again with highs near 25 C.

Some may have noticed the full moon Saturday night, I neglected to mention that it reached full phase on Sunday morning around 0508h (IST).

M.T. Cranium · 11-07-2017 7:44am

Tuesday, 11 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Munster and south Leinster will have intervals of rain (possibly as much as 15-20 mm in places), east to northeast winds 30-50 km/hr, and highs 15 to 17 C. The north will see partial clearing after light rain moves out of east Ulster and north Leinster this morning, becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers and winds from a northeast backing north to northwest 20-40 km/hr by afternoon. Highs will be about 17 or 18 C thanks to the brighter skies. In between these regimes, mostly cloudy with outbreaks of light rain or drizzle, partial clearing during the afternoon, highs near 16 C.

TONIGHT ... A few brief showers but partial clearing after midnight, cool. Lows could fall to 5 C in some central inland locations, 7 to 9 C elsewhere.

WEDNESDAY ... Partly to mostly sunny, pleasantly warm with highs 19 to 22 C. A slight chance of brief afternoon showers in Ulster and north Leinster, northeast Connacht.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, scattered showers, lows near 8 C, and highs 17 to 19 C.

FRIDAY ... Sunny, breezy, warmer again with highs 21 to 24 C in the south, more cloud likely across north, highs 18 to 21 C in blustery southwest winds 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy (southwest 40-60 km/hr), rather warm in the south, with a few sunny intervals, overcast across the north, outbreaks of rain slowly spreading into Ulster from the northwest. There is some uncertainty about how far south this rain might extend by Saturday afternoon or evening with some guidance suggesting that it will hold off until Sunday morning. Lows 11 to 14 C and highs near 22 C in the south and east (possibly a bit higher coastal southeast), and near 18 C in the north and west.

SUNDAY ... Intervals of rain with some heavy embedded showers, winds shifting from southwest to west and easing to 30 to 50 km/hr. Lows near 14 C and highs between 16 and 18 C (possibly near 20 C southeast). Gradual clearing late afternoon and evening.

OUTLOOK ... Warm and dry weather will develop during the first half of next week with highs near 22 C. Some rain or thundery showers may move in from the southeast later in the week as the Atlantic flow relents and a continental source sets up for a time.

My local weather on Monday was mostly cloudy with highs near 21 C. Further inland it remained very warm to hot and dry with considerable forest fire smoke mixing with scattered cloud, highs of 28 to 33 C east of the Coastal Ranges and Cascades.

M.T. Cranium · 12-07-2017 7:13am

Wednesday, 12 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly to mostly sunny, pleasantly warm with highs 19 to 22 C. A slight chance of brief afternoon showers in Ulster and north Leinster, north Connacht.

TONIGHT ... Increasing cloud, lows of 8-10 C around midnight, temperatures may rise slightly after cloud arrives.

THURSDAY ... Variable cloud, scattered showers, lows near 8 C, and highs 17 to 19 C.

FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals with extensive cloud across west and north at times, breezy, warmer again with highs 21 to 24 C in the south, more cloud likely across north, highs 18 to 21 C in blustery southwest winds 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy (southwest 40-60 km/hr), rather warm in the south, with a few sunny intervals, overcast across the north, outbreaks of rain slowly spreading into Ulster from the northwest. Showers will push further south by evening and progress towards the south by Sunday early morning. Lows 11 to 14 C and highs near 21 to 24 C in the south and east (possibly a bit higher coastal southeast), and near 18 C in the north and west.

SUNDAY ... Intervals of rain with some heavy embedded showers, winds shifting from southwest to west and easing to 30 to 50 km/hr. Lows near 14 C and highs between 16 and 18 C (possibly near 20 C southeast). Gradual clearing late afternoon and evening.

MONDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, isolated showers in north, highs near 20 C.

OUTLOOK ... Warm and dry weather will develop during the first half of next week with highs near 22 C. Some rain or thundery showers may move in from the southeast later in the week as the Atlantic flow relents and a continental source sets up for a time.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny with highs near 23 C. It is becoming quite hot across most central and eastern regions of the U.S. and southern Ontario with highs in the 30s. This will continue most of the week. Heavy storms will hit parts of the lower to central Great Lakes region. Fires continue to create large smoke plumes in central British Columbia; these were heading east but now they will begin to circulate around and head south later in the week.

M.T. Cranium · 13-07-2017 7:19am

Thursday, 13 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rather cloudy with best chance for sunny breaks in western counties this afternoon. Scattered light showers (2-4 mm in some places) with highs 17 to 19 C.

TONIGHT ... Becoming clear in some southern counties, lows 7 to 10 C. Overcast further north, lows 9 to 12 C.

FRIDAY ... Sunny intervals mainly confined to south, with extensive cloud across west and north at times, breezy, warmer again with highs 21 to 24 C in the south, more cloud likely across north, highs 18 to 21 C in blustery southwest winds 40-60 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Breezy to windy (southwest 40-60 km/hr), rather warm in the south, with a few sunny intervals, overcast across the north, outbreaks of rain slowly spreading into Ulster from the northwest. Showers will push further south by evening and progress towards the south by Sunday early morning. Lows 11 to 14 C and highs near 21 to 24 C in the south and east (possibly a bit higher coastal southeast), and near 18 C in the north and west.

SUNDAY ... Intervals of rain with some heavy embedded showers, winds shifting from southwest to west and easing to 30 to 50 km/hr. Lows near 14 C and highs between 16 and 18 C (possibly near 20 C southeast). Gradual clearing before mid-day in parts of Connacht and west Ulster spreading to southeast by late afternoon and evening. The front may weaken during the day also, which will tend to make clearing more of a widespread process around early afternoon.

MONDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, isolated showers in north, highs near 20 C.

TUESDAY ... Hazy sunshine, quite warm with highs near 23 C.

OUTLOOK ... Showers and isolated thunderstorms likely with colliding frontal systems from southwest and southeast, Leinster could get some heavy rain as a result by Wednesday, with highs 18 to 20 C. Unsettled from then on, as the Atlantic flow resumes after a two-day breakdown, but some sunny intervals in the mix and temperatures fairly close to normal around 20 C.

My local weather on Wednesday was mostly sunny with highs near 23 C. It has turned hot and humid in eastern regions of North America with the high 35 C at Washington D.C., 32 C at New York City.

M.T. Cranium · 14-07-2017 7:14am

Friday, 14 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with a few brighter intervals developing across parts of the south, warm and humid. Some outbreaks of light rain will come and go across the northern counties with a more organized interval of heavy showers mid-day to afternoon hours across Ulster. Moderate southwest winds 40-60 km/hr. Highs will range from 18 C in the north to 23 C in a few parts of the inland south.

TONIGHT ... Variable cloud, occasional rain near west and north coasts, warm and humid, lows 13 to 17 C. Winds southwest 30-50 km/hr.

SATURDAY ... Variable cloud with a few sunny intervals developing in the south, warm and humid, blustery southwest winds 50-70 km/hr. Highs 18 to 24 C, warmest near southeast coast. Most places dry but a few light showers mainly inland north and west.

SUNDAY ... Early morning showers and chance of a brief thunderstorm, then clearing with partly to mostly sunny skies soon replacing the band of showers as it fragments during the morning across the south. Winds veering westerly and easing to about 30-50 km/hr. Morning lows 14 to 17 C, afternoon highs 17 to 22 C, warmest again in the southeast.

MONDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, lows 7 to 12 C and highs 17 to 22 C. Slight sea breeze cooling on most coasts as the overall wind field slackens inland.

TUESDAY ... Hazy sunshine with increasing cloud late in the day, moderate southeast winds 30-50 km/hr, warm. Lows 8 to 12 C, highs 19 to 24 C, warmest central and western counties. Slight sea breeze cooling near Irish Sea and south coast but pleasantly warm despite that.

WEDNESDAY ... Scattered outbreaks of rain and chance of thunderstorms from early morning, some clearing late in the day, lows near 15 C and highs near 19 C.

OUTLOOK ... Unsettled and sometimes quite blustery on Thursday and Friday, highs around 18 C. Some improvement on the following weekend then more variable, generally near or slightly below normal temperatures near the end of the month.

My local weather on Thursday was overcast with light rain for a time this morning but it rapidly cleared up and a fresh sea breeze held temperatures near 20 C. It was hot in parts of the eastern U.S. but a strong cold front pushed south, at one point it was 36 C in Washington D.C. and 14 C at Boston. The heaviest storms were in CT and Long Island, NY. The frontal zone is now closer to southern NJ and PA with more storms expected to fire up from the Ohio valley to Chesapeake Bay later today.

Since it's a national holiday in France, here's their forecast ... a warm (hot in south) and mainly dry, and partly sunny day for most as a few widely scattered showers move away from the northeast this morning, highs will be 21 to 24 C in the north, 25 to 29 C central and around Paris, and 31 to 34 C near the Mediterranean coast.

M.T. Cranium · 15-07-2017 6:51am

Saturday, 15 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Very warm and humid, with cloud and a few brief showers this morning giving way to sunny intervals in all but far northern counties by mid-day and afternoon. Winds southwest 40-70 km/hr. Highs 18-21 C near west and north coasts, otherwise 22 to 25 C with warmest readings likely to be from Dublin south into north Wexford and also in parts of the inland south.

TONIGHT ... A weak cold front will produce some blustery showers and perhaps a brief rumble of thunder in one or two spots, as winds veer more westerly, and it will stay rather warm with lows 12 to 15 C. Clearing skies in some western counties well after midnight.

SUNDAY ... A few remnant showers in the southeast will quickly dissipate and most places will break to warm sunshine, although the air mass is slightly cooler and less humid it will continue to feel rather warm as winds quickly drop in speed, and a strong sun could be a factor too, highs 20 to 23 C.

MONDAY ... Very fine weather will continue with clear skies at first, mostly sunny with patchy cloud near south coast, lows 8 to 12 C and highs 20 to 24 C.

TUESDAY ... Hazy sunshine, increasing afternoon cloud, very warm with moderate humidity, slight risk of thunderstorms developing inland and coastal southeast by late evening. Lows 9 to 13 C and highs 22 to 26 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Outbreaks of rain with slight risk of a thunderstorm, followed by partial clearing and fresher, somewhat cooler conditions by afternoon. Lows about 13 to 15 C and highs 18 to 20 C. About 10-15 mm of rain likely in east and north.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, a few passing showers, breezy. Lows 8 to 11 C and highs 18 to 21 C.

OUTLOOK for WEEKEND of 22nd-23rd ... Sunny intervals and warmer again with highs into 23 to 26 C range, and this warm spell may continue into Monday and even Tuesday before breaking down in a similar way to the more immediate warm spell, fronts from south and southwest converging mid-week, and theh back to somewhat cooler more seasonable conditions for last few days of July.

Overall this is turning into quite a warm month again after an average first ten days, and it remains to be seen if these warm spells will lead to longer spells of heat by August but that would not surprise me given the trends of the Azores high.

My local weather was sunny and very warm on Friday, with highs reaching 29 C.

M.T. Cranium · 16-07-2017 7:27am

Sunday, 16 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine as several bands of cloud will be following the initial clearing now taking place across south central counties. Eventually the balance will swing more to sunshine than cloud by afternoon. Isolated showers are still possible but most places will have a dry day with highs about 20 or 21 C.

TONIGHT ... Clearing, lows 8 to 11 C.

MONDAY ... Warm sunshine with slight sea breeze cooling near south and east coasts, highs 21 to 24 C inland, west and north, 18 to 20 C south and east.

TUESDAY ... Hazy sunshine, increasing cloud from the southeast by afternoon, very warm. Lows 8 to 12 C and highs 21 to 25 C. Overnight showers and thunderstorms may become heavy in Leinster.

WEDNESDAY ... Outbreaks of showery rain will continue, 5 to 15 mm likely in east and north, smaller amounts in south and west. Lows 13 to 17 C and highs 18 to 20.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY are looking unsettled; some guidance suggests that there could be rather strong winds at times too, but this depends on whether low pressure circles around close to the west coast. In any case, temperatures around 18 to 20 C and occasional showers are likely.

OUTLOOK ... The following weekend may produce another warm spell, then it will likely turn cooler and more unsettled in the final week of the month.

My local weather on Saturday was sunny, breezy and warm with highs near 23 C. Strong wind gusts in central B.C. have made the fire situation worse and there are new evacuations ongoing from Williams Lake, a town of about 15,000 people. The danger to the town is not considered extreme at this point but it would be too late to escape if that proved wrong on Sunday or Monday, with a lot of resources in place to fight these fires if they advance any closer to the town from the northwest.

M.T. Cranium · 17-07-2017 6:53am

Monday, 17 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Sunny and warm, light winds will encourage weak sea breezes on all coasts but these will not reach too far inland, so highs for most 23 to 25 C, closer to 19 or 20 C right along some coasts, but ideal beach weather and you'll need plenty of shade or sunscreen.

TONIGHT ... Clear, mild, lows 9 to 13 C.

TUESDAY ... Hazy sunshine, very warm, with increasing afternoon cloud in southeast. More of an organized east to southeast breeze will suppress the sea breezes on west and north coasts, and make them stronger on east and south coasts. Highs generally 24 to 26 C but could be held to around 19 or 20 C near south and east coasts. Scattered thundery showers likely by late afternoon in the southeast and spreading north through Leinster by evening.

WEDNESDAY ... Outbreaks of rain heavier in east and north (5-15 mm likely), showers more hit and miss for south and west, as it turns somewhat cooler in moderate south to southwest breezes. Morning lows 13 to 17 C and afternoon highs 18 to 21 C.

THURSDAY ... Frequent showers likely in west, dry intervals for east until later in the day when the rain will move east, fresh westerly winds 40-60 km/hr at times, with lows near 10 C and highs near 17 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, breezy, showers, risk of a brief thunderstorm. Lows near 9 C and highs near 16 C.

OUTLOOK ... The following weekend currently looks a little more unsettled with temperatures remaining in the 17 to 19 C range, occasional showers but some sunny breaks as well; somewhat warmer first half of the following week then back to cool and unsettled as July ends.

My local weather on Sunday was rather cool by recent standards here, and also rather cloudy although some bright sunny spells at mid-day, highs just 20 or 21 C. The fire situation apparently has been contained for now and is not raging into any of the evacuated towns but a few outer settled areas have seen some damage. Large smoke plumes are generally drifting east in the jet stream and eventually it may result in an interval of colourful sunsets further east, first in North America but eventually perhaps in Europe as well. I would estimate that might be next week for eastern North America and mid-August for Ireland.

M.T. Cranium · 18-07-2017 7:31am

Tuesday, 18 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Sunny and very warm across the north and east, while sunshine will be dimmed by high cloud in the south and parts of the west. Thicker cloud will move in by afternoon across the south, followed by outbreaks of showery rain and possibly some thunderstorms this evening. It will remain dry until past midnight in the central and northern counties. Highs 22 to 26 C, somewhat cooler near south and east coasts (18 to 20 C). Moderate southeast winds developing 20-40 km/hr.

TONIGHT ... Showers and thunderstorms, heavier in Leinster and later in east Ulster, where 5 to 15 mm likely, continuing warm and increasingly humid, lows about 14 to 17 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Showers and longer intervals of rain will continue to be heavy at times in the east, more of a scattered shower regime further west, as winds gradually veer to southwest 30-50 km/hr. Highs 18 to 21 C. About 5 to 15 mm further rainfall in east, 2 to 8 mm further west.

THURSDAY ... Some morning sunny breaks but increasing cloud and frequent showers, winds increasing for the afternoon and evening to southwest 40-60 km/hr, and cooler than recent days, lows near 10 C and highs near 17 C.

FRIDAY ... Rain tapering to showers, strong westerly winds at times across southerm and central counties, with low pressure expected to track across Ulster where winds will tend to be south at first, east near the northern coastlines, and finally northwest as the system moves past. Ulster will also be likely to see steady light rain from this system. Lows generally 7 to 9 C and highs only 14 to 16 C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy, passing showers, but somewhat improved temperatures, lows near 10 C and highs near 19 C.

SUNDAY ... Variable cloud, a few showers, highs near 19 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Continued rather unsettled and temperatures around normal values for late July.

My local weather was sunny, hazy (from increasing amounts of smoke) with highs near 23 C.

M.T. Cranium · 18-07-2017 4:30pm

UPDATE __ Tuesday, 18 July, 2017 __ 4:30 p.m.

____________________________________________

A heavy thunderstorm watch is now in effect for tonight, most likely in east Munster and south to central Leinster, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Conditions appear favourable for thunderstorms already developing to the south and southeast of Ireland, to move into these regions and maintain their strength most of the night due to a very warm, increasingly humid air mass becoming unstable as an upper level trough approaches from the southwest.

Some areas may get periods of frequent lightning and locally heavy downpours. I do not see much risk of large hail or strong wind gusts, so the main hazards will be lightning and local flooding from 15 to 25 mm of rain that could fall in short time periods.

This heavy rainfall will continue to hang around Leinster and east Ulster tomorrow morning but with decreasing risk of thunderstorms being involved.

Another update will probably be posted around 10 p.m.

M.T. Cranium · 18-07-2017 10:29pm

UPDATE __ Tuesday, 18 July, 2017 __ 10:30 p.m.
____________________________________________

At this point, the western counties are more likely to see heavy outbreaks of thundery showers for the first part of the overnight period (to about 0200h) with scattered light thunderstorm activity slowly developing across the southeast. By the later overnight period, a more organized cluster of storms may develop in central counties and begin to link with storms moving north through Britain.

The watch is therefore extended to 0800h for Leinster and extends to Connacht.

There is still some chance of heavy thunderstorms developing but the process will be gradual from the looks of most recent guidance. If I had to specify a time for Dublin I would say 0400h at this point, to 0700h, for the most likely timing of anything significant. There could be a few minor episodes before then, but the best dynamics will be in place for Dublin and much of eastern Ireland around 0500h.

I will either update this or move the normal forecast time up slightly depending on how things develop.

M.T. Cranium · 19-07-2017 7:22am

Wednesday, 19 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Outbreaks of heavy rain and still one or two embedded thunderstorms, these most likely in central counties and in parts of west Ulster. An area of rain in the Irish Sea is moving north and may overspread some coastal parts of Leinster at times then later will arrive in east Ulster. Some local rainfalls of 10 to 20 mm today although some pockets of much lower rainfall, so watch for local road flooding most likely from south central to northwestern counties in several areas. Highs 17 to 20 C with high humidity levels slowly dropping this afternoon especially in western counties as a fresher Atlantic flow develops. Winds rather light and variable (southeast generally) becoming westerly 30-50 km/hr by afternoon (west) or evening (east).

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, a few remnant showers mainly in east Ulster and parts of north Leinster. Lows 10-12 C.

THURSDAY ... Outbreaks of heavy showery rain gradually developing in western counties, spreading to east by late in the day. About 10-20 mm of rain possible. Highs 15 to 17 C with winds southwest to west 40-60 km/hr.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, although generally overcast in north, outbreaks of light rain, gusty winds at times in south (westerly 50-70 km/hr), lighter winds further north, and 5 to 15 mm of rain with lows 8-10 C and highs 14 to 17 C.

SATURDAY ... Breezy, showery and cool, lows 7-9 C and highs 15 to 18 C.

SUNDAY ... Sunny intervals, turning a bit warmer again, lows 5 to 8 C and highs reaching 20 to 22 C.

MONDAY ... Partly cloudy, lows 7 to 9 C and highs 19 to 23 C.

OUTLOOK ... Becoming somewhat more unsettled during the week, with temperatures near normal for late July, highs around 20 or 21 C.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny and somewhat hazy from distant smoke plumes at about 3,000 ft, highs near 24 C.

M.T. Cranium · 20-07-2017 6:57am

Thursday, 20 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

ALERT for unseasonable windy and wet weather on Friday, see forecast for details.

TODAY ... Showery light rain will continue to move east, erasing any early brightness for parts of north Leinster and east Ulster, and winds will remain moderate southwest 30-50 km/hr, with highs 14 to 17 C north, 15 to 18 C south. About 5 to 10 mm of rain will be the general rule.

TONIGHT ... Intermittent light rain, moderate southwest backing to southerly winds and lows 9 to 11 C.

FRIDAY ... With low pressure now indicated to dive towards the south coast and intensify, an alert is probably required for heavy rainfalls and strong winds (for July at least) near the south coast. While nothing much was expected of the day before this, now it looks quite ghastly with pelting rain (heavy and possibly thundery at times in central counties where up to 30 mm could fall), and southerly gales of 50 to 90 km/hr developing near the south coast, not quite that windy further north although some moderate winds likely at times (light winds near the low centre which is expected to track through parts of west Munster into Leinster). Temperatures will be struggling to get much higher than 14 or 15 C during the rain and could briefly reach 16 or 17 C in any brief breaks in the rain.

FRIDAY NIGHT ... The unusually strong summer low will lose some of its intensity overnight while spinning around near Ulster, and rain will taper off to light showers with a generally westerly flow of 30 to 60 km/hr and lows near 10 C.

SATURDAY ... The low will begin to die out as it drifts back towards Leinster and the southeast coast, and showers will begin to break up with some sunny breaks in the mix, as northerly breezes continue about 40 to 60 km/hr. Highs 13 to 15 C north and 15 to 18 C south.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will see improvements although there could be isolated showers, but longer sunny intervals and highs closer to normal values at 20 or 21 C for most, 18 C some coastal locations in the north and west.

FURTHER OUTLOOK calls for rather unsettled conditions to return with temperatures not far from 20 C most days in late July, overnight lows 8 to 11 C.

My local weather on Wednesday was sunny with increasing cloud, and warm with highs near 26 C.

M.T. Cranium · 20-07-2017 9:16pm

UPDATE __ Thursday, 20 July, 2017 __ 9:15 p.m.
___________________________________________

The unseasonable July low pressure system will be arriving shortly after midnight in the southwest. Along the south coast, expect winds to intensify rapidly reaching speeds of 50 to 80 km/hr from the south around 0200 to 0600h. These very strong winds will tend to be concentrated more on the southeast coast by morning and will rapidly spread into the Irish Sea, possibly affecting some coastal parts of Leinster although more moderate at 30 to 60 km/hr (40 to 70 km/hr over the Irish Sea and affecting the second round play at the Open golf championship).

As the low moves northeast towards inland west Munster and then Connacht, strong east winds will spread through Galway Bay for a few hours before easing, and strong northeast winds may hit parts of Mayo (40 to 70 km/hr).

By afternoon the low will start to loop back around to the south, intensifying west to northwest winds that are expected for most of the day in west Kerry and Clare into Limerick. These winds may briefly reach 40 to 70 km/hr by late afternoon.

The system will be weakening slowly Friday night dragging these northwest winds along behind it across the south coast.

Meanwhile, some very heavy rain is expected to develop ahead of the track of this low, with 30 to 50 mm possible in parts of Kerry, west Cork, west Limerick, Clare, north Tipperary, Galway and possibly a bit further north into Connacht. Rainfalls of about 10 to 30 mm can be expected in most other areas. Some thunderstorms may be embedded in this frontal system.

So, the worst of the conditions will likely be felt around Cork by 0300-0500h, around Waterford around 0500-0700h, Wexford about 0600-0800h (also Galway), and Dublin by 0900h to mid-day.

It's a good thing this is blowing in late at night since it will minimize the impact on recreational boating or climbing activities around west Munster.

However, be aware that it may be a bit like a typical autumn gale despite the date on the calendar.

M.T. Cranium · 21-07-2017 8:17am

Friday, 21 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Heavy rain (a further 20 mm or so) will be mainly confined to the Atlantic coastal counties and parts of inland Connacht and Ulster, as low pressure comes to a halt around east Galway and drifts west. This will create moderate northerly winds near the west coast (30-50 km/hr), and otherwise southeast veering to southwest 30-50 km/hr in most other regions, where some breaks in the overcast will develop before more showers feed in from the south coast this afternoon (5-10 mm possible from these). Watch for some road flooding in western counties today as overnight rains were reported to be in the 20-30 mm range. Highs today will be only 13 to 15 C in the rain (west, parts of the north) and 14 to 17 C elsewhere. Winds over Kerry, west Limerick and parts of Clare may pick up later to northwest 40 to 60 km/hr as the low edges back towards these counties.

TONIGHT ... The unusually strong summer low will lose some of its intensity overnight while drifting south back towards Cork by late tonight, and rain will taper off to light showers with a generally westerly flow of 30 to 60 km/hr and lows near 10 C. Further rainfalls of 5 to 10 mm in a few spots although generally less than that.

SATURDAY ... The low will begin to die out as it drifts away from the south central coast towards south Wales, with rain most likely in south Leinster and near the eastern coast of Waterford, and showers will begin to break up with more frequent sunny breaks in the mix, as northerly breezes continue about 40 to 60 km/hr. Highs 13 to 15 C north and 15 to 18 C south.

SUNDAY and MONDAY will see improvements although there could be isolated showers, but longer sunny intervals and highs closer to normal values at 20 or 21 C for most, 18 C some coastal locations in the north and west.

TUESDAY will continue fairly settled until later in the day with highs near 22 C.

OUTLOOK for the rest of the week is more unsettled mid-week then variable with temperatures falling back to the 18 to 20 C range, and moderate westerly winds. The weekend of 29-30 July is not looking overly warm or sunny at this distance but may have a few decent breaks between showery episodes. And in general, this unsettled regime looks set to continue into early August too.

My local weather on Thursday was mostly cloudy with a bit of light rain early, then cloudy with sunny breaks later, highs near 21 C. The fire situation is slowly improving thanks to a combination of somewhat better weather for firefighters and the massive efforts being made to control the widespread blazes in rather remote areas in some cases.

M.T. Cranium · 22-07-2017 7:19am

Saturday, 22 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, isolated showers developing mid-day around east-central counties, possibly heavy in a few places, and drifting south to southwest in a moderate north-northeast breeze. Highs 18 to 21 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, cool, lows 7 to 10 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, slight chance of a shower in eastern counties, as the old low makes one more loop over Britain, which will have considerably more shower activity all weekend. Highs 18 to 22 C.

MONDAY ... Sunny intervals, lows 7 to 10 C and highs 18 to 22 C.

TUESDAY ... Increasing cloud, rain by evening in west, highs near 21 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Rain may become heavy at times, highs near 18 C.

OUTLOOK ... A few more dry days may follow this mid-week rainfall then a more unsettled pattern will develop towards the weekend of 29-30 July. Temperatures will remain near average values for late July (highs 19 to 22 C).

My local weather on Friday was overcast and rather warm with highs near 23 C.

M.T. Cranium · 23-07-2017 7:17am

Sunday, 23 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Sunny intervals with cloud most likely near east Ulster and south coast, but one or two isolated showers could develop around early afternoon. Pleasantly warm with highs 19 to 22 C.

TONIGHT ... Clear with a few areas of patchy cloud, mist or fog after midnight, lows 5 to 10 C.

MONDAY ... Sunny intervals, warm. Highs 19 to 23 C.

TUESDAY ... Increasing cloud, rain arriving on west coast late afternoon or evening, lows near 10 C and highs near 21 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Early morning rain may be heavy in parts of the north, with 15 mm or more, then breezy and gradually clearing, winds westerly 40 to 70 km/hr, morning lows near 12 C and afternoon highs near 18 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy, isolated showers, highs near 19 C.

OUTLOOK ... Unsettled by the weekend of 29th-30th, into Monday 31st, with possible heavy rainfalls near the end of the month, temperatures continuing near average (highs near 21 C).

My local weather on Saturday was overcast with a few brief sunny breaks, and traces of rain around late morning, highs near 20 C.

M.T. Cranium · 24-07-2017 7:22am

Monday, 24 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sun, and just a slight chance of brief showers by late afternoon in parts of west Munster as a very weak disturbance tracks from northwest to southwest. Pleasantly warm for most, highs 19 to 23 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain, then partial clearing, mild. Lows around 12 to 14 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, rain arriving on west coast by late afternoon or evening, rather warm and humid, highs 18 to 22 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Heavy rain in the early morning hours, 10 to 15 mm for most, then partial clearing in a blustery westerly flow (50 to 70 km/hr), a few more showers possible, morning lows 12 to 15 C and afternoon highs 16 to 19 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy, partly to mostly cloudy, a few isolated showers, lows 8 to 11 and highs 15 to 18 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, some outbreaks of light rain later, highs 16 to 19 C.

OUTLOOK ... Unsettled, temperatures near average for mid-summer (19 to 23 C).

My local weather on Sunday was sunny and warm with highs near 25 C.

M.T. Cranium · 25-07-2017 6:51am

Tuesday, 25 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy, rather humid and warm with a few light showers for parts of the south and west, highs 18 to 20 C, and heavier rain arriving late afternoon. ... Partly cloudy and warm, rather humid also, for east and north, less chance of any rain. Highs 19 to 22 C.

TONIGHT ... Intervals of heavy rain, possibly with thunder, gusty southwest winds developing 40-60 km/hr, staying quite warm, lows 13 to 16 C. About 10 to 20 mm of rain is likely in most places. Rain ending before daybreak in some western counties.

WEDNESDAY ... Rain ending across Leinster and east Ulster by morning, then partial clearing spreading in from west, blustery west winds 50 to 70 km/hr. Highs about 18 to 20 C. A few more showers may develop, mostly near Atlantic coasts.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy and rather cool, a few showers, possibly a thunderstorm for some, lows near 10 C and highs near 17 C.

FRIDAY ... Some sunny intervals at first, then overcast by afternoon and evening, rain moving across the south overnight into Saturday morning (5-10 mm expected), lows Friday morning about 8 C and hghs Friday afternoon about 19 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Breezy, most of the rain will be finished by Saturday morning but there could be a few further showers later and again on Sunday in a moderate westerly wind. Highs each day about 18 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Rather unsettled from Monday 31st July to about Thursday the 3rd of August, temperatures near average for time of year (highs near 20 C).

My local weather on Monday was sunny and very warm again with highs near 27 C.

M.T. Cranium · 26-07-2017 7:46am

Wednesday, 26 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partial clearing this morning but some more showers are likely at least for west and north, less widespread for south and east this afternoon, as westerly winds continue to range from 40 to 70 km/hr. Highs 15 to 17 C north, to 18 to 20 C south. Further rainfalls of about 3 to 5 mm in some parts.

TONIGHT ... Breezy, passing showers, lows 10 to 12 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, breezy with an interval of stronger winds possible in northern counties by late afternoon, generally 40 to 60 km/hr but some isolated gusts to 80 km/hr. Highs 15 to 18 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, mostly dry until an interval of light rain (more concentrated near south coast) passes through during the evening and overnight hours. Morning lows near 8 C and afternoon highs near 19 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... Partly cloudy both days, some sunny spells but also some passing showers, in moderate southwest to west winds of 40 to 60 km/hr.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... Frequent showers Monday and Tuesday with highs 18 to 20 then somewhat more settled for the rest of next week, highs 20 to 23 C. The longer range charts look quite unsettled again, hopefully that will change closer to the time.

My local weather on Tuesday was sunny and hot with highs near 30 C.

M.T. Cranium · 26-07-2017 5:57pm

UPDATE __ Wed 26 July 2017 __ 6 p.m.
__________________________________________

ALERT for heavy thunderstorms and brief torrential downpours with a squall line feature now entering north-central Leinster, likely to race eastward to the Irish Sea coast by 8 p.m., and affecting most if not all counties in Leinster (Wexford may not be included), east Ulster (south of Lough Neagh-Belfast), and whatever portions of Connacht remain ahead of this feature (effects already noted further west).

Expect to find flooded portions of roads if you are heading northwest out of Dublin, if this happens to miss the capital region, or affecting mainly north Dublin and Kildare, which seems possible although not guaranteed. The worst of this storm seems likely to head across Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Louth and Meath. It is fast moving, 10-20 mm of rain can fall in less than an hour, some lightning has been reported and small hail is possible. Wind gusts to at least 80 km/hr are likely. Very small risk of an isolated F-1 tornado in this set-up (again most likely to be in rural areas well north or northwest of Dublin).

Temperatures fall sharply with this front, currently only 12 to 13 degrees over much of Connacht.

M.T. Cranium · 27-07-2017 7:41am

Thursday, 27 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Mostly cloudy with frequent showers and scattered thunderstorms, about 10 to 20 mm of rain likely, and highs only 15 to 18 C. Blustery southwest winds 40 to 60 km/hr, but an interval of stronger winds by afternoon near Donegal Bay (some gusts to 80 km/hr possible).

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy, showers, lows 8 to 10 C, moderate southwest winds at times.

FRIDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, passing showers still rather widespread during the day, with slight chance of a thunderstorm, highs 17 to 19 C. Not quite as windy as today but some moderate southwest gusts.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few showers and a further reduction in the winds, to southwest 30 to 50 km/hr, morning lows near 8 C and afternoon highs near 19 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, showers, breezy at times, lows near 8 C and highs 18 to 20 C.

OUTLOOK ... Further showers on Monday, a brief break around Tuesday but now the charts are showing an unusually strong low pressure system forming in the western Atlantic (apparently not a hurricane but approaching cat-1 hurricane intensity near the Azores by mid-week) and this tracks towards Ireland, in a weakening phase. This could mean two different outcomes as precision at that time range is not overly high -- it may lead to a resumption of this current unsettled pattern, or it could signal a gradual change to warmer weather (if this low tracks a little further north it would encourage the Azores high to reform, which is what the models seem to be showing by about the 10th of August). So we could be cautiously optimistic that another pattern shift will develop and we will see another warmer spell like mid-June and mid-July both produced. However, there is also the chance that this weather system will bring unseasonable windy and cool conditions by about Thursday 3rd of August, before that warmer spell can get established

My local weather on Wednesday was mostly sunny and very warm, with a brief cloudy spell as a dry cold front passed during the afternoon. The highs ranged from about 22 C near the ocean to 28 C at my location and 35 C further inland. Although the fire situation is somewhat under control, there has been no relief from the dry weather in central regions.

M.T. Cranium · 28-07-2017 7:37am

Friday, 28 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine, passing showers still rather widespread during the day, with slight chance of a thunderstorm, highs 17 to 19 C. Not quite as windy as Thursday but some moderate southwest gusts at times (40 to 70 km/hr). An area of moderate rainfall will brush the south coast mid-day but most of that should be over the ocean.

TONIGHT ... Mostly cloudy, occasional light rain, lows 8 to 11 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few showers and a further reduction in the winds, to southwest 30 to 50 km/hr, morning lows near 8 C and afternoon highs near 19 C.

SUNDAY ... Partly cloudy, cool with occasional showers, breezy at times (westerly 40 to 70 km/hr), lows near 8 C and highs 16 to 18 C.

MONDAY ... Mostly cloudy, a few intervals of light rain, cool, highs near 17 C.

TUESDAY ... A few sunny intervals to start, lows near 7 C and highs near 21 C, then windy with rain by late in the day, strong southerly winds developing overnight into Wednesday morning (50 to 80 km/hr).

OUTLOOK ... The strong low discussed in yesterday's outlook is still there on most guidance charts and passes to the west of Ireland by Wednesday, lingering around to the north on Thursday and slowly crossing Britain on Friday. The heaviest rain is well out ahead of the system (in the late Tuesday and early Wednesday forecast above), but more showers will follow from Wednesday afternoon to about Saturday the 5th of August. Beyond that, the charts are not showing much sign of improvement but this will depend on the actual track taken by the low during next week.

My local weather on Thursday was mostly cloudy in the morning then sunny by afternoon with a somewhat cooler high of 23 C.

M.T. Cranium · 29-07-2017 7:25am

Saturday, 29 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, showers more frequent in west and north, but eventually spreading to all regions, 3 to 7 mm amounts for most, moderate southwest winds (30 to 50 km/hr) and highs 16 to 19 C.

TONIGHT ... Cloudy, showers, lows 10 to 12 C.

SUNDAY ... Mostly cloudy, frequent showers, about 5 to 10 mm, cool with highs 15 to 18 C.

MONDAY ... Partly to mostly cloudy, a few showers, cool, lows 8 to 10 C and highs 15 to 18 C.

TUESDAY ... Some brighter intervals at first, then overcast, rain by evening in western counties. Lows 6 to 9 C, highs 17 to 20 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Breezy (south to southwest 40 to 70 km/hr) with rain tapering to showers then partial clearing. Lows about 12 C and highs 18 to 21 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, showers, lows near 10 C and highs near 19 C.

OUTLOOK ... Friday and the weekend of 5-6 August are looking quite cool and breezy with frequent showers, highs only around 17 C. Slight improvement may follow although the pattern does not really change very much on charts out to mid-August (at this point).

My local weather on Friday was sunny with a refreshing sea breeze and highs near 22 C.

M.T. Cranium · 30-07-2017 7:39am

Sunday, 30 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Widespread showers and a few thunderstorms, 5 to 10 mm amounts on average, 15 to 20 mm potential in a few spots. There may be a break between one band this morning and a second one due to arrive mid-day to early afternoon on the west coast, so some brief sunny breaks are possible especially over the southeast. Highs 17 to 20 C.

TONIGHT ... Frequent showers or light rain, about 5 mm, lows near 12 C.

MONDAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine with showers and a few thunderstorms, highs near 19 C.

TUESDAY ... Some sunny intervals in south and east, mostly overcast in west and north, with some rain at times near coasts. Light winds at first, increasing to southeast 40 to 70 km/hr at least for Munster and Connacht, south Leinster, where heavier rain may develop by evening. Morning lows 6 to 9 C and afternoon highs about 18 to 20 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Warm and humid, winds veering from southeast 40-70 km/hr to south-southwest 40-60 km/hr, heavy showers and possible thunderstorms with some partial clearing by afternoon, morning lows near 12 C and afternoon highs 19 to 21 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, showers, rather breezy at times, lows near 10 C and highs near 18 C.

OUTLOOK ... Friday to Monday (4th to 7th August) looks rather cool and unsettled with a west to northwest flow, moderate breezes, and highs 16 to 19 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There could be a brief break in the action around Tuesday the 8th then back to an Atlantic regime with frequent showers.

My local weather on Saturday was sunny with a fresh sea breeze and highs near 22, much warmer further inland. It has turned rather cool for late July in the eastern states, with highs in the mid-20s and heavy rainfalls around Washington D.C. in the past two days (about 100 mm in places).

M.T. Cranium · 31-07-2017 7:20am

Monday, 31 July, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Intervals of cloud and sunshine with showers and a few thunderstorms, about 5 mm rain likely, gradually clearing late afternoon and evening, with highs near 19 C.

TONIGHT ... A few clear intervals, isolated showers, lows 5 to 8 C inland and 8 to 11 C in some coastal and urban areas.

TUESDAY ... Some sunny intervals in south and east, mostly overcast in west and north, with some rain at times near coasts. Light winds at first, increasing to southeast 40 to 70 km/hr at least for Munster and Connacht, south Leinster, where heavier rain may develop by evening (or around midnight). Afternoon highs about 18 to 20 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Warmer and humid, winds veering from southeast 40-70 km/hr to south-southwest 40-60 km/hr, heavy showers and possible thunderstorms with some partial clearing by afternoon, morning lows near 12 C and afternoon highs 19 to 21 C.

THURSDAY ... Partly cloudy, showers, rather breezy at times, lows near 10 C and highs near 18 C. Some parts of the east and south could have longer sunny intervals.

OUTLOOK ... Friday to Monday (4th to 7th August) looks rather cool and unsettled with a west to northwest flow, moderate breezes, and highs 16 to 19 C.

FURTHER OUTLOOK ... There could be a brief break in the action around Tuesday the 8th and briefly warmer again (22-24 C), then back to an Atlantic regime with frequent showers (18-21 C).

My local weather on Sunday was sunny and very warm with highs near 27 C. Hot conditions are expected in most of western North America this coming week while it remains near average in the east.

M.T. Cranium · 01-08-2017 6:32am

Tuesday, 1 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... A mixture of cloud and sunshine for most, as shower activity retreats north into Ulster. There could be some isolated showers elsewhere, but many will enjoy a brief break from the rain with highs of 18 to 20 C.

TONIGHT ... Overcast, rain becoming heavy at times (10-15 mm), but moving quickly northeast followed by partial clearing in the west. Mild with lows 11 to 14 C. Winds becoming moderate southeast 40 to 70 km/hr, then southerly 30 to 50 km/hr by morning.

WEDNESDAY ... Rather warm and humid with the heavier rain ending by mid-morning in Leinster and Ulster, followed by some clearing but further showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs 18 to 22 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy to windy at times, partly cloudy with a few showers, cooler, morning lows 8 to 10 C and afternoon highs 16 to 19 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, more sunshine near south and east coasts, lows 7 to 10 C and highs 16 to 19 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few showers, lows near 8 C and highs 18 to 20 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY ... Frequent showers or periods of rain, rather cool. Lows near 10 C and highs 15 to 17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Warmer for a day or two Tuesday 8th-Wednesday 9th, highs 21 to 23 then becoming unsettled again with highs 18 to 20 C.

My local weather on Monday was sunny and hot with highs near 30 C. Scorching heat is developing over the western U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with highs reaching the mid-30s even near the coast, to near 40 C inland. The fire situation has been somewhat under control but this won't be very helpful. Meanwhile, unexpected Tropical Storm Emily formed rapidly west of Florida, moved across the state in a weakening condition, and may redevelop over the open Atlantic heading northwest of Bermuda. Any remnants of that would likely have lost tropical characteristics several days before reaching Ireland perhaps by next week.

M.T. Cranium · 02-08-2017 8:10am

Wednesday, 2 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Becoming rather warm and humid with the last of the rain ending by mid-morning in Leinster and Ulster, followed by some clearing with sunny spells developing, but further showers and isolated thunderstorms are likely, the thunder most probable in Connacht, west Ulster this afternoon. Highs 18 to 22 C.

TONIGHT ... Showers tapering off, breezy and less humid, lows 8 to 10 C.

THURSDAY ... Breezy to windy at times, partly cloudy with a few showers, cooler, morning lows 8 to 10 C and afternoon highs 16 to 19 C.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, more sunshine near south and east coasts, lows 7 to 10 C and highs 16 to 19 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few showers, lows near 8 C and highs 18 to 20 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY ... Frequent showers or periods of rain, rather cool. Lows near 10 C and highs 15 to 17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Warmer for a day or two Tuesday 8th-Wednesday 9th, highs 21 to 24 then becoming unsettled again with highs 18 to 20 C.

My local weather would have been sunny and hot but there was a thick smoke haze which made the sun look like a brighter version of the full moon, and it was around 28 C despite the blockage of full sunshine. We are bracing for mid-30s here for today and Thursday (for those who follow the weather technically, we are going to be into the 576 dm thickness zone, similar to southern Spain).

M.T. Cranium · 03-08-2017 7:36am

Thursday, 3 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Just a few light showers left over now, and these should dissipate soon before some sunny intervals develop mid-day. A few more scattered showers are possible by afternoon and evening but in general, amounts only 1-3 mm and some places could have a dry day. Moderate west to northwest winds 40-60 km/hr at times, with rather cool highs of 16 to 18 C.

TONIGHT ... Some clear intervals, cool with lows 5 to 9 C for most, around 10 C in some coastal and urban locations. Still a slight risk of showers near Atlantic coasts.

FRIDAY ... Variable cloud, isolated showers, more sunshine near south and east coasts, moderate northwest winds, and cool with highs 16 to 19 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, a few showers, lows near 8 C and highs 18 to 20 C.

SUNDAY and MONDAY ... Frequent showers or periods of rain, rather cool. Lows near 10 C and highs 15 to 17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Warmer for a day or two Tuesday 8th-Wednesday 9th, highs 21 to 25 then becoming more unsettled again with highs 18 to 21 C. The latest guidance backs off a little on how unsettled it becomes and there is some hope of further dry spells developing by the weekend of 12th-13th, with highs around 22 C. The overall look of the next two weeks on the weather charts is quite average for early to mid- August.

My local weather on Wednesday was a bit like Dante's inferno, hot and smoky, with highs reaching 32 C locally and 37 C further inland. Some parts of the Pacific northwest states were a little over 40 C. There are now fires burning in central B.C., southern Alberta, western Montana and central Idaho, and a lot of smoke from all of these is drifting in a westward direction now as a large-scale heat trough has developed over the inland west. That leaves central and eastern North America in a relatively cool pattern with some heavy rainfalls in the Dakotas and Minnesota on Wednesday. The pattern is rather static although we do expect a slight decrease in the heat next week.

Excitement is mounting as we prepare to go chase the total solar eclipse in Oregon or Idaho (possibly Wyoming) on August 21st, by "chase" I mean select an optimal spot based on weather guidance the day before, already being somewhere near the track. So I will be away from this desk for about ten days starting on the 15th.

M.T. Cranium · 04-08-2017 7:36am

Friday, 4 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly cloudy with showers developing mid-day, chance of a thunderstorm in central regions. Highs 16 to 18 C.

TONIGHT ... Some clearing with just isolated showers in north, lows 6 to 9 C.

SATURDAY ... Partly cloudy, mid-day showers again with isolated thunderstorms. Long dry intervals for south and east coast. Highs 17 to 20 C.

SUNDAY ... Periods of rain developing before dawn and lasting for much of the morning, then partial clearing, cool. Lows near 10 C and highs near 16 C.

MONDAY ... Variable cloud, showers, cool. Lows near 8 C and highs near 17 C.

TUESDAY ... Partly cloudy, cool northerly breezes, lows 5 to 9 C and highs 15 to 18.

OUTLOOK ... Warmer by mid-week, sunny intervals each day Wednesday to Friday, highs 21 to 25 C, and staying warm to about Saturday when a weak front will bring some scattered showers. The trend after that will be somewhat more unsettled and humid although staying a bit warmer than average.

My local weather on Thursday was very hazy again due to smoke, with filtered sunshine and about 28 C (weak sea breezes kept it below 30), record highs were set further inland and south of the border (it was 105 F in Portland, Oregon).

The first hurricane of the season (five named tropical storms so far) may develop next week from a system being watched in the eastern Atlantic.

M.T. Cranium · 05-08-2017 7:25am

Saturday, 5 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Partly cloudy, scattered showers with isolated thunderstorms, more widespread in Ulster and north Connacht where 10-15 mm rainfalls could occur, more of a hit-or-miss 2 to 5 mm further south. Highs 16 to 19 C.

TONIGHT ... Rain developing (10-15 mm) with fog and lows near 12 C.

SUNDAY ... Rain becoming more confined to Leinster and east Ulster during the morning, as partly cloudy conditions develop further west, and eventually some clearing further east. A few more showers are likely after the clearance mainly across northern counties. Cool, with highs only 15 to 17 C.

MONDAY ... Occasional showers, some sunny breaks, and continued rather cool with lows 6 to 9 C and highs 16 to 19 C.

TUESDAY ... Very cool with a few showers, some breaks in the overcast, and northwesterly breezes, lows 5 to 8 C and highs 14 to 17 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Some hazy sunshine at times, warmer, highs 18 to 22 C.

THURSDAY ... Increasing cloud, some rain by afternoon and evening (heavier north) and continuing warmer with highs around 21 C.

OUTLOOK ... Rather unsettled but fairly warm by end of the week and into the following weekend, highs 20 to 23 C. Beyond that, although confidence is low, the guidance suggests a continued unsettled pattern.

My local weather on Friday turned out rather cloudy from a combination of smoke haze and marine cloud, it was warm and humid although a sea breeze kept it from reaching 30 C in most places, closer to 24 C at my location. Near-record heat continues inland (although I notice that it was 5 degrees warmer in 1961 than today's highs, must have been a scorching spell then, for example 44 C in southeast WA state in 1961, about 39 today).

M.T. Cranium · 06-08-2017 7:28am

Sunday, 6 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Rain becoming more confined to Leinster and east Ulster during the morning, as partly cloudy conditions develop further west, and eventually some clearing will reach the east by this afternoon, although a few more showers are likely after the clearance mainly across northern counties. Cool, with highs only 15 to 17 C.

TONIGHT ... Partly cloudy with some clear intervals, glimpses of the full moon, but also some isolated brief showers mainly in north and west, lows 6 to 9 C.

MONDAY ... Occasional showers, some sunny breaks, and continued rather cool with lows 6 to 9 C and highs 16 to 19 C.

TUESDAY ... Very cool with a few showers, some breaks in the overcast, and northwesterly breezes, lows 5 to 8 C and highs 14 to 17 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Some hazy sunshine at times, warmer, highs 18 to 22 C.

THURSDAY ... Hazy sunshine, warm, with increasing cloud across the north and some rain by evening near northwest coast, lows 8 to 12 C and highs 21 to 23 C.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY will continue rather warm but a little more unsettled with occasional light rain, some brighter intervals too, with highs 19 to 22 C.

OUTLOOK ... Generally near mid-August average temperatures and sometimes unsettled mid-month, a trend to more autumnal weather around the 20th.

My local weather on Saturday continued very hazy from smoke, the sun dimly visible through thick layers of smoke, and the full moon quite a dark orange colour this evening, and the only object visible in the sky. It was rather warm with a high near 25 C.

M.T. Cranium · 07-08-2017 7:22am

Monday, 7 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Continued rather cool and unsettled with passing showers, becoming somewhat more frequent by mid-day. Highs only 14 to 16 C north, 16 to 18 C south.

TONIGHT ... Showers gradually ending, some clear intervals developing although considerable low cloud will linger in a northwest flow, lows 8 to 11 C.

TUESDAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals, occasional showers developing and one or two thunderstorms in the central and northern inland counties. Moderate north-northwest winds 40-60 km/hr, highs only 14 to 17 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, most places dry, and becoming warmer by afternoon. Morning lows 5 to 9 C, afternoon highs 18 to 20 C.

THURSDAY ... Hazy sunshine with increasing cloud by late in the day, warm. Lows about 10 C and highs about 20 to 23 C. Rain may brush northwest coastal districts by evening and overnight, with this rain fragmenting to showers as it moves a bit further south by Friday early morning.

FRIDAY ... A few showers, then partial clearing, continued rather warm, highs about 20 to 23 C.

OUTLOOK ... The warmer spell may persist with just slightly unsettled intervals during the weekend, but certainly improved over this past few days, as highs continue to register in the low 20s inland. Eventually a more breezy, autumnal westerly regime will arrive and drop temperatures back into the 15 to 18 C range, around the third week of August.

My local weather on Sunday continued rather hazy although some of the smoke we have been enduring has drifted back to the southeast, so that the sun was shining almost at normal strength. Highs reached about 25 C.

M.T. Cranium · 08-08-2017 7:41am

Tuesday, 8 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Cloudy with some sunny intervals, occasional showers developing and one or two thunderstorms in the central and southwest inland counties. There could be some small hail in parts of west Munster. Moderate north-northwest winds will increase at times to 40-60 km/hr, highs only 14 to 17 C.

TONIGHT ... Clearing, cool, lows inland 4 to 8 C, coastal and urban areas 9 to 11 C.

WEDNESDAY ... Sunny with cloudy intervals, most places dry, and becoming warmer by afternoon with afternoon highs 18 to 20 C.

THURSDAY ... Hazy sunshine with increasing cloud by late in the day, warm. Lows about 10 C and highs about 20 to 23 C. Rain may brush northwest coastal districts by evening and overnight, with this rain fragmenting to showers as it moves a bit further south by Friday early morning.

FRIDAY ... A few showers, then partial clearing, continued rather warm, highs about 20 to 23 C.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK ... At this point, the outlook is generally good, Saturday looks partly sunny and reasonably warm (18 to 21 C), Sunday will see increasing cloud with rain in western counties by late afternoon or evening, highs 17 to 19 C.

My local weather continues quite hazy and warm with a high near 26 C on Monday.

M.T. Cranium · 09-08-2017 7:52am

Wednesday, 9 August, 2017

Forecasts for Ireland

TODAY ... Sunny intervals in most regions, somewhat more cloud in the northwest where isolated showers are possible. One or two showers could also develop by afternoon near the Wicklow coast but these may remain over the Irish Sea, drifting south. Winds northerly 20-40 km/hr. Highs 17 to 20 C, warmest near south coast.

TONIGHT ... Clear intervals, cool, lows 7 to 10 C. Somewhat more cloud near north coast, lows 10 to 12 C. Light winds.

THURSDAY ... Hazy sunshine for the south and central counties, increasing cloud across the north, rather warm, highs 17 to 22 C, warmest east coast, midlands, inland south. Moderate southwest winds developing by afternoon.

FRIDAY ... Early morning rain in the north will tend to fragment to showers as it tries to push further south by late morning, and the south could remain dry all day. Cloud will be prevalent but some sunny breaks could develop across the south by afternoon. Lows 11 to 14 C and highs 18 to 22 C in moderate southwest winds.

SATURDAY ... Sunny intervals, morning lows 8 to 10 C and afternoon highs about 18 to 20 C.

SUNDAY ... Some sunshine in north and east, increasing cloud for south and west, rain arriving by evening in Munster. Morning lows 5 to 9 C, afternoon highs 16 to 19 C. In light southeast winds, the warmest part of the country is likely to be inland north, midlands.

MONDAY ... Some rain at times, then partial clearing, highs near 17 C.

OUTLOOK ... Breezy to windy most days next week (typically WSW 40-60 km/hr), temperatures generally near or slightly below normal (highs 16 to 19 C) and near average amounts of rain.

My local weather continued quite hazy and warm on Tuesday, with highs about 26 C. We are expecting a gradual freshening of this stagnant smoky air mass from end of the week through early next week as the extensive heat trough over western North America weakens, but then it may return later in August at times.

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