Ireland weather: Timeline of Hurricane Kirk as forecaster speaks out on reports of snow

Ireland is set for a weekend of heavy rain potentially reaching up to 10cm, with a Status Orange and a Status Yellow weather warning in place for seven counties

People are concerned about the prospect of Ireland being hit by Hurricane Kirk as forecasters keep an eye on the tropical cyclone.

The country could potentially see strong winds and rain if the storm arrives in the country next week, however, it hasn’t been confirmed if Ireland will be affected by it yet.

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather issued his latest update and explained that there are a few possibilities when it comes to what Hurricane Kirk could do as we move into next week.

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He stated that different weather models show the cyclone doing opposing things.

The GFS model shows the hurricane intensifying again on Tuesday, before slowing down.

He added: “It does track to the south of Ireland, but as it weakens it comes back up towards Ireland and the UK bringing some heavy rain possibly Thursday.”

There have been reports of snow also arriving in Ireland because of the hurricane, however, he shared that this won’t be the case.

“There’s a bit of purple there on the mountains in Kerry and I bet you some ‘genius’ is going to forecast snow from Kirk,” the weather expert said.

Another weather model showed Hurricane Kirk heading towards Portugal and petering out, without impacting Ireland.

Ahead of the wet weekend, he added: “A little bit of good news this morning as latest weather models ease off the total rainfall amounts in Southwest on Saturday a little. Still over 100mm possible on high ground and over 50mm at lower but not looking as bad as models had yesterday and East could see very little.”

Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange rain warning for Cork and Kerry, which is in effect from 12AM on Saturday, 5 October until 11PM on the same day.

It reads: “Very heavy and persistent rain, with highest accumulations in mountainous areas of Kerry and west Cork. Impacts: River and coastal flooding, dangerous travelling conditions and travel disruption.”

There is also a Status Yellow rain warning for Clare, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Mayo. It will be in place from 12AM on Saturday, 5 October until 12AM on Sunday, 6 October.

It states: “Heavy and persistent rain. Possible Impacts: Localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.”

Here is your weather forecast for the days ahead:

Friday, 4 October

Today will be mostly cloudy and damp with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees with moderate to fresh south to southeast winds.

Tonight, rain will become persistent in the west. It will spread eastwards over Munster and Connacht turning heavy at times with flooding likely, especially in the southwest. Drier in Leinster and Ulster with some patchy rain. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees with moderate to fresh south to southeast winds.

Saturday, 5 October

Saturday will be cloudy and wet with spells of rain extending to all areas. The rain be heavy at times with flooding likely, especially in Munster and Connacht. Highest temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees with fresh south to southeast winds.

Saturday night will continue wet with further spells of rain and some further flooding. The rain will become lighter and drier in the west and southwest overnight. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with southerly winds easing.

Sunday, 6 October

On Sunday, rain will gradually clear to the northeast. Sunny spells and showers will follow, some heavy, especially in Munster. Highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees with light to moderate southerly winds, fresher for the west and southwest. There will be further showers on Sunday night, heaviest in the south. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees with light to moderate southeast breezes.

Monday, 7 October

Monday will bring sunny spells and showers, heaviest and most frequent in Munster and south Leinster with localised flooding possible. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in moderate southeasterly winds, fresher near coasts.

Tuesday, 8 October

On Tuesday, there will be further showers, some heavy with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Highest temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees with light to moderate mainly easterly breezes.

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