Storm Kathleen could cause damage as 130km/h winds rip through Ireland

A low pressure weather system that could be named Storm Kathleen as it makes its way towards Ireland could cause damage, according to one forecaster.

The system is making its way from Iberia towards us and weather models are starting to align with the worst of the winds to hit Ireland on Saturday.

Meteorologist Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel says: "Damaging winds are likely to develop across the country for a time on Saturday as an unseasonably deep area of low pressure passes close to the west coast of Ireland.

"The system responsible looks like it will be a named storm, with the name being Kathleen. Damaging winds of up to 130km/h seem likely, based on the latest run of weather models.

"Upper level weather warnings of at least a Status Orange category level seem quite likely also as we go into Saturday, with power and transport disruption also a possibility.

"Heavy rain between now and then, and into next week will lead to further disruption to farmers, gardeners, and all those who work outdoors and for whom good weather is a prerequisite," he concluded.

Ireland is set to endure a rough 10 days on the weather front with a potential storm and a deluge of rain also expected to hit the country.

Met Éireann and its weather forecasting partners have not yet named the storm but weather experts are already warning of the impacts, including heavy rain and flooding.

Weather Alerts Ireland predicts "an awful lot of rain is expected in the next 10 days."

"The ECMWF model is forecasting over 200mm on higher ground and over 100mm on lower ground in the South and South West of the country. More flooding can be expected," they added.

Meanwhile, Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather is on storm watch too. He said: "This morning's weather models continue to show nasty looking storm for Saturday with strong gusts and heavy showers hitting Ireland. Some differences on weather models but all show it hitting Ireland and packing a punch."

This mornings weather models continue to show nasty looking storm for Saturday with strong gusts and heavy showers hitting Ireland. Some differences on weather models but all show it hitting Ireland and packing a punch. pic.twitter.com/zinTDsXrFE

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) April 3, 2024

Met Éireann's forecast for the next few days is rather unsettled with plenty of rain and wind.

"Any patches of mist or drizzle will clear early [on Thursday] to leave sunny spells and a few showers. During the afternoon, rain will spread across Munster, extending nationwide during the evening and turning heavy in places. Maximum temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees but a little cooler in north Ulster. Fresh and gusty southeast winds will develop during the course of the day," their latest forecast says.

Thursday night will be "breezy, with outbreaks of rain clearing northwards to scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees with fresh to strong southerly winds."

The forecast continues: "Mild and windy on Friday with sunny spells and widespread showers, some possibly heavy and thundery. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in strong and gusty southerly winds.

"Rain and showers with some heavy downpours possible bringing the chance of spot flooding [on Friday night]. Temperatures not falling below 10 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong southerly winds.

"Very windy with rain pushing northeastwards over Ireland followed by sunny spells and showers [on Saturday]. Maximum temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in strong and gusty southerly winds.

"Bright and blustery [on Sunday] with sunshine and scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in strong southwest winds."

They conclude: "Current indications suggest Monday will be a wet day with outbreaks of rain spreading northwards. Strong southerly winds becoming variable later in the day, with highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees."