Thunderstorm Warnings and Mild Weekend Forecast for Ireland
Ireland is bracing for a period of unsettled weather, with thunderstorm warnings in effect for several counties and a milder-than-average weekend on the horizon. Whereas recent days have seen routine rainfall warnings, the coming days bring a mix of thundery downpours, sunny spells, and gale-force winds.
Current Thunderstorm Warnings
As of February 20, 2026, Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo. The warning, in effect until 11:00 AM today, warns of thundery downpours and potential impacts including spot flooding, lightning damage, and difficult traveling conditions.
Weather Forecast for Friday, February 20th
Today will be characterized by a mix of sunny spells and isolated heavy showers. Cloud cover will increase from the southwest, leading to outbreaks of rain and drizzle later in the day. Claregalway’s forecast, representative of the broader national outlook, indicates highest temperatures between 9°C and 12°C, accompanied by moderate to fresh, occasionally strong, west to southwest winds. A separate Status Yellow warning for gale-force winds, reaching up to Force 8, is in place along the entire west coast from 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
Weekend Outlook: Mild but Wet
The weekend is expected to be milder than average for this time of year, with temperatures potentially reaching 13°C. But, it will too be wet and breezy. Saturday will bring further outbreaks of rain, easing later in the evening. Sunday will begin windy with scattered showers from the west, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 12°C.
Longer-Term Outlook
Met Éireann anticipates continuing unsettled conditions with spells of wet and windy weather in the coming weeks. Despite the unsettled nature, temperatures are expected to remain milder than typically experienced at this time of year.