Met Eireann forecast 14C temperature swing as County Councils 'prepare for storms'

Met Eireann is forecasting temperature swings of up to 14C this week showing a first real sign of winter while Galway County Council launches a storm preparation guide.

Saturday will see the dial go from 15C down to 1C according to the National Forecaster with a cold, wet and windy day promised across the board.

As well as this, a new storm preparation guide has been launched in Galway to look at the damage from Storm Éowyn and to try and help households prepare for something similar in the future.

There will be seventy support centres across Galway who will help communities during severe weather events like Storm Éowyn providing a space with heat, first aid equipment, Wi-Fi and other necessities.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach, Andrew Reddington, said: "preparation is key when facing a major weather event”.

"This guide provides practical advice on preparing for power outages, travel disruption and other impacts, while also highlighting the supports available to people and communities.

"Taking a few simple steps in advance can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes.”

Galway County Council Director of Services, Michael Owens, echoed these words adding: “People should monitor weather warnings, charge phones and power banks, have torches and a battery-powered radio available, secure outdoor items and check gutters and drains.

"We also encourage people to follow emergency advice, avoid unnecessary travel and prioritise their safety."

Here’s Met Eireann’s updated weather forecast for the week and into the weekend:

Tuesday: “Today will start off mainly dry with some bright spells. Rain will develop in the southwest and spread across Munster, Connacht and the midlands through the afternoon. Much of Ulster and east Leinster will stay dry. Highest temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees with light to moderate southeasterly winds. It will become windy along the west coast this evening with strong gusty northwesterly winds.

“Tonight, rain will continue to spread northeastwards and will be heavy at times. It will become confined to Leinster and Ulster by morning. Clearer weather with showers will follow into Munster and Connacht along with fresh northwesterly winds, which will be strong in coastal areas. Lowest temperatures of of 5 to 9 degrees.”

Tomorrow: “Wednesday will start off wet over much of Leinster and Ulster. Rain will clear slowly to the northeast through the morning and early afternoon. Sunshine and scattered showers for the rest of the country. It will be a breezy day with moderate to fresh, gusty westerly winds. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees.

“On Wednesday night, showers will continue in Munster and south Leinster for a time and also along the west coast. It will become mainly dry overnight. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 7 degrees with light southwesterly breezes.”

End of week and into weekend: “Thursday will start off mainly dry. However, heavy rain will develop in the southwest during the morning and will spread northeastwards to all areas through the afternoon, evening and early night with localised flooding possible, especially in Munster and Leinster. Highs of 10 to 13 degrees with moderate to fresh east to northeast winds.

“Thursday night will be wet with some heavy falls of rain, which will clear to the east overnight. Winds will veer strong and gusty northwesterly with lows of 5 to 8 degrees.

“Friday will be blustery with sunshine and showers and moderate to fresh northwesterly winds. Highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees. On Friday night, rain will move in from the west and will spread eastwards to all areas by morning along with strengthening southerly winds. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees.

“Saturday will start off wet with rain in all areas. Rain will clear eastwards with showers following. It will become very windy with strong, gusty westerly winds and highest temperatures of 1 to 15 degrees. Sunday will be a cool breezy day with sunshine and showers and fresh, gusty westerly winds. Highest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees.”