WMO Warns of Rapidly Developing «Strong» El Niño, Ireland to See Warmer Temperatures
The WMO warns of a rapidly developing «strong» El Niño, predicting global extreme weather and above-average temperatures. Ireland is forecast to experience warmer weather, reaching the low to mid-20s next week, though a repeat heatwave is uncertain. This El Niño could bring drier conditions to northern Europe, including Ireland.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that El Niño conditions are «developing rapidly» and are expected to strengthen from June to September. This «strong» El Niño, the third most severe of four strength levels, is likely to cause heatwaves, drought, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather events globally, with an overwhelming likelihood of above-average temperatures everywhere.
While regional forecasting has uncertainties, the WMO predicts more rain than usual in southern European countries and drier conditions in northern countries, including Ireland. A lack of rain in Ireland during summer can strain water supplies, impact farming, and increase countryside fires.
Met Éireann forecasts a temperature rise to the low to mid-20s in Ireland from Saturday and through next week, driven by an area of high pressure south of the country. This high-pressure system, gathering warm air from the Azores and West Africa, will bring higher temperatures, particularly to southern and eastern counties. Northern and northwestern areas will remain cooler due to cloud and rain. Meteorologist Michelle Dillon expects temperatures over 20 degrees across most of the country by midweek, though coastal northern areas may stay at 19-20 degrees. A repeat of last month’s heatwave is uncertain; a period of «decent» weather is more likely.