Double storm threat looms over Ploughing as Met Eireann issues grim update

A double storm threat looms large over the National Ploughing Championships this week amid a number of grim weather updates at the weekend.

The remnants of ex-Storm Lee and Hurricane Nigel could impact our weather this week, bringing wet and windy conditions. Nigel was brewing in the Atlantic over the weekend and is expected to become a hurricane today. However, some forecasters suggest it will weaken and could miss Ireland entirely later in the week.

The remains of Storm Lee will, however, will bring wet weather to the first day of the Ploughing but it may not be all bad news for those making the trip to Ratheniska in Co Laois.

In its forecast for Tuesday, Met Éireann predicts "a windy and damp day with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds."

They say "outbreaks of rain and drizzle will continue through the day, most persistent in the west and north with occasional heavy falls possible. Misty in places too. Highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees."

Their outlook for the week foresees "a mix of showers and sunshine for the latter half of the week, with some showers turning heavy. Wet and windy at the weekend too."

Met Éireann says Tuesday night will be "wet and windy night with more persistent heavy rain spreading from the west. Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will ease slightly towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees.

Forecasters say rain will clear to the east on Wednesday morning but will be followed from the west by sunny spells and frequent showers, "some of which will turn heavy."

A mix of sunny spells and widespread showers will greet attendees at the Ploughing on Thursday, some of which will be heavy and prolonged. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in light to moderate northwesterly winds.

Elsewhere, Weather Alerts Ireland says "it is expected to get very unsettled for the coming week" as "a strengthening jet stream is expected to push multiple low pressure systems over Ireland."

The update continued: "Post tropical cyclone Lee is expected to push in on Tuesday bringing wet and windy conditions just in time for the first day of the ploughing."

In some good news, they said: "Luckily ex hurricane Lee will not be as strong as first forecast. Winds up to and over 100km/h are expected in the West on Tuesday.

"A risk of some big systems impacting Ireland later next week but lots of uncertainty at the moment," they added.

Meanwhile, Alan O'Reilly over at Carlow Weather reckons the Ploughing Championships could escape most of the wind and rain.

He said: "Latest high resolution charts for tomorrow show a wet start with overnight heavy rain clearing North and very windy with showers. The good news for the Ploughing Day 1 is the worst of the rain looks to be before and after the event. Day 2 and 3 looking like sunny spells and showers."

Dispelling fears of Hurricane Nigel battering Ireland later in the week, Alan added: "Tropical Storm Nigel expected to become a hurricane tomorrow [Monday], possibly a major hurricane for a time Tuesday before turning Northeast and weakening a little. Path beyond Friday is a little uncertain but most models keep it away from Ireland as it moves toward Iceland and weakens."