Ireland Braces for Storm Austen: A Wet and Windy Thursday Ahead

If you were hoping for a quiet, crisp autumn day across Ireland, I'm afraid Met Éireann has some rather different news. Today, Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, is shaping up to be a truly classic Irish autumnal day, meaning we're going to see a bit of everything, but mostly, it looks like we'll be dealing with the arrival of Storm Austen. This isn't just a bit of a breeze; we're talking about very heavy rain and strong winds, with a real risk of localized flooding, especially across the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Let's break down what to expect for the rest of today and into the weekend, because it seems we're in for a rather unsettled spell.

What to Expect Today: The Full Force of Storm Austen

We woke up this morning to a relatively calm start in many areas, with some dry patches and even a few sunny spells poking through. There were only isolated showers, giving a false sense of security perhaps. But don't be fooled. The afternoon is where things really take a turn. Storm Austen is tracking south of Ireland, and that means we're going to feel its full impact.

The change will be swift and significant. Expect the afternoon to become decidedly wet and windy. The very heavy rain, which will develop first in the southwest, is set to extend northeastwards across the country by the evening. This isn't just a light drizzle; we're talking about substantial rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. If you're in Munster or Leinster, you'll need to be particularly vigilant. Heavy downpours can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, and nobody wants to deal with water creeping into their home or business.

Wind-wise, we're starting with light to moderate east to northeast winds. However, these will quickly strengthen to fresh and strong as the day progresses. It's the kind of wind that whips umbrellas inside out and makes even a short walk feel like a battle against the elements. Temperatures today will be on the milder side for late October, ranging from 10 to 14 degrees, but honestly, with the rain and wind, it won't feel like it.

Tonight: Continuing the Onslaught

If you thought the afternoon sounded rough, tonight promises more of the same, if not worse. The wet and windy conditions will continue, with widespread heavy rain associated with Storm Austen affecting much of the country. Met Éireann is explicitly warning of flooding across southern and eastern counties. This is a serious concern, and residents in these areas should take all necessary precautions.

To add to the drama, there's even a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Imagine that: heavy rain, strong winds, and the rumble of thunder. It's certainly a night for staying indoors, perhaps with a good book and a warm drink. The winds will be cyclonic variable to start, but they'll veer northwest and strengthen further overnight, reaching strong gale force along southern coasts. If you live near the coast, you know what that means: waves crashing, sea spray, and a definite need to secure anything that could blow away. Lowest temperatures tonight will be between 4 and 8 degrees, feeling significantly colder with the wind chill.

Looking Ahead to Friday and the Weekend

While Storm Austen will be the main event today and tonight, the unsettled weather isn't going anywhere fast.

Friday, October 23rd

The good news is that any lingering rain should clear eastern counties by around mid-morning on Friday. We'll then see a pattern of sunshine and well-scattered blustery showers for the rest of the day. These showers will mainly affect western counties, so if you're further east, you might get a bit of a reprieve. Highest temperatures will be between 9 and 13 degrees. The fresh and gusty northwest winds will gradually ease to moderate towards evening, which will be a welcome change after the intensity of Storm Austen.

National Outlook: A Very Unsettled Period

The overall outlook from Met Éireann for the coming days is "very unsettled, with frequent wet and windy spells." It seems we're firmly entrenched in classic autumn weather, where you need to be prepared for anything at a moment's notice.

• Friday night: Starts mostly dry, with just a few coastal showers along Atlantic coasts. However, more wet and windy weather will move in from the west overnight, bringing heavy spells of rain to parts of the west and southwest. Lowest temperatures will be 3 to 8 degrees. Westerly winds will back southerly and freshen, becoming strong and gusty near south and west coasts.
• Saturday: Another wet and windy start is on the cards, with widespread heavy spells of rain. By early afternoon, the rain should ease and become more showery, with further showers moving into the northwest by evening. Fresh to strong and gusty south to southwest winds will reach gale force in some Atlantic areas. It will be humid, with highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees, feeling mildest across Munster and Leinster.
• Saturday night: Scattered showers will continue to feed in from the west, with isolated thunderstorms possible over the north and west. Parts of Munster and south Leinster might get a break with mostly dry conditions and clear spells developing. Lowest temperatures will be 6 to 9 degrees in a brisk westerly wind.
• Sunday: Expect a crisp, breezy day with sunshine and showers. Some of these showers will be heavy in the west and north. Highest temperatures will be 9 to 13 degrees in a fresh and gusty westerly wind.
• Monday: The week kicks off wet and windy again, with heavy and persistent rain moving in over southern counties first. This rain will spread northwards through the morning, gradually easing as it goes. Further showery spells of rain will follow in behind by the evening. Light to moderate easterly winds will veer southwesterly and strengthen to moderate to fresh and gusty, with gales along Atlantic coasts. It will be mild, with highest temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees.

So, there you have it. This Ireland weather forecast paints a clear picture: prepare for a significant amount of rain and wind over the next few days. Storm Austen is making its presence felt today, and the unsettled conditions will continue well into next week.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the official Met Éireann website for the most up-to-date information, especially if you're planning any travel or outdoor activities. Stay safe, stay dry, and maybe plan for some indoor pursuits this weekend. For more detailed forecasts and weather warnings, you can always check Met Éireann's official website.