Weather warning issued as Storm Doris approaches Ireland

Met Éireann warns of severe winds and heavy rain, with snow on northern hills

Storm Doris is on the way, bringing with her gale force winds with gusts of up to 110km/hr, heavy rain, sleet and snow.

Met Éireann have issued a yellow "be aware" alert for strong and severe winds in Leinster, Munster and Connacht.

The weather warning will take effect on Wednesday at midnight until Thursday at 11am.

Meteorologist Pat Clarke said winds would be at their strongest in coastal counties.

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“It’s going to be very changeable and unsettled for the next few days,” he said.

“First of all, there’ll be a fair amount of rain, particularly in the west to the north of the country.”

Some thundery showers with a risk of hail, sleet, hill snow and “gale force” winds are expected on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, particularly in northern areas, according to Met Éireann.

The national forecaster said southwest winds would have mean speeds between 50-65km/hr and gusts ranging from 90- 110km/hr.

Mr Clarke said although Ireland has had "above normal" temperatures recently, this trend would change this week.

Temperatures are expected to fall to zero or -1 degrees on Thursday night with a risk of frost.

“There will be a significant drop in temperature on Thursday morning. Temperatures are about 11-14 degrees today [Tuesday] so on Thursday there’ll more likely be 8-10,” Mr Clarke said.

“The storm then will move into the Irish Sea around day break on Thursday and in over northern England on Thursday morning.”

It is expected that Storm Doris will pass quickly and Friday would be mainly dry, bright and cold. Rain is set to spread across the country later in the day.

Scotland also has a weather warning in place for snow on Thursday for “treacherous” and blizzard-like conditions.

Wales, the Midlands and northwest England will also feel the force of the storm with strong winds and heavy rain expected.

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty is an Irish Times journalist