Met Éireann has reported that low-pressure systems are forming in the Atlantic, with the first expected to cross the country on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve. A second, more significant system is forecast to arrive on Wednesday, New Year’s Day.

A status-yellow rain warning has been issued for Donegal from 11 a.m. on Monday, lasting 24 hours. Additionally, a warning for strong winds will be in effect early Tuesday in Donegal, Galway, and Mayo. The UK Met Office has also issued a separate strong wind warning for New Year’s Eve, affecting counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone.

Met Éireann is closely monitoring the situation and expects to provide further updates in the coming days.

New Year’s Eve is likely to be very unsettled, with widespread heavy rain. Meteorologist Mark Bowe explained that “significant winds to the northwest” will accompany the rain, which may lead to localized flooding.

New Year’s Day is expected to bring even more severe weather, with widespread heavy rain and strong, gusty winds affecting all regions.


Bowe noted that the low-pressure system developing for Wednesday could result in “very impactful winds,” particularly in western and southern areas.

Met Éireann’s flood forecasting centre has cautioned that saturated soils across the country will increase rainfall runoff into rivers, potentially causing significant river level rises and surface water flooding.

The combination of spring tides, strong onshore winds, and large waves may also lead to wave overtopping in exposed, low-lying coastal areas.

Later in the week, a sharp change in weather is anticipated as cold northerly air moves in. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing, with daytime highs struggling to climb above single digits.