Record high pressure may break Ireland’s 2018 October mark

After flooding and power cuts, Ireland could finally get a break

The anticipated change comes after a turbulent week for the country, as Storms Austen and Boelo brought flooding, power cuts and severe weather warnings. 

The first two named storms of the season affected communities across Ireland, with Galway and parts of the west placed under several Status Orange warnings by Met Éireann, according to Galway Beo.

Weather Alerts Ireland said the developing high-pressure system should offer a welcome pause from the recent unsettled conditions, describing the expected change as “much-needed settled and calmer weather”.

Pressure could reach approximately 1043hPa over the weekend. That would bring it close to Ireland's October record of 1043.8hPa, measured at Sherkin Island in 2018.

Cloudy skies and rain expected before weekend weather improves

The calmer conditions are not expected to arrive immediately, however. Met Éireann's outlook for Wednesday points to a largely cloudy morning, with occasional rain before brighter spells develop later in the day.

Afternoon temperatures are forecast to range from 12C to 15C, accompanied by moderate southwesterly winds. 

Overnight conditions should remain mostly dry, although mist may form in places, with temperatures dropping to between 9C and 12C.

The weekend forecast offers a contrast to the disruption caused by the recent storms, which left thousands of homes without electricity and triggered significant flooding. 

If the high pressure develops as expected, Ireland could enjoy a period of more stable weather, with pressure levels coming close to the country's October benchmark.