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20th Dec 2023

Christmas sea swimmers warned over strong winds for coming week

Simon Kelly

Christmas swim

Be safe out there.

Met Éireann has issued a warning to those taking part in Christmas swims this year as “potentially dangerous sea conditions” are set for along the Atlantic coast.

While any hopes of a white one look dashed at this point, it does look like it’s going to be a windy one, with the national forecaster stating it will be “breezy or rather windy for a time, but with the fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds easing through the day.”

Met Éireann forecaster Rebecca Cantwell told the Irish Independent that strong winds along the west coast could potentially bring danger to those taking a dip.

“Swimmers should err on the side of caution in the water and keep an eye on the day’s forecast,” she told the publication.

Met Éireann warn Christmas sea swimmers over potentially strong winds

In their national outlook for the week ahead, the forecaster said that it will continue to be mild “up to and including Christmas Eve, indeed very mild for a time on the 24th and it’ll be blustery with some rain and drizzle at times.

“Becoming cooler on Christmas Eve night, with temperatures returning closer to the seasonal normal.

“At the moment it looks like Christmas Day is likely to be cool and bright with sunshine and a few scattered showers, with some frost possible on Christmas night.”

Meanwhile, Met Éireann has also issued a Status Yellow wind warning for Donegal valid between 12am and 11.30pm on Thursday, December 21. The warning states that there will be strong and gusty west to northwest winds and high waves.

Potential impacts include localised travel disruption and wave overtopping on the coast.

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