'A lot of uncertainty' - Grim weekend ahead as experts give verdict on Beast from the East

While it feels as though there is no end in sight for this dark and dreary January, weather experts have given yet another grim forecast for the week ahead.

Rumblings of a second Beast from the East headed our way towards the end of the month is still surrounded by "uncertainty" as temperatures are set to plunge again from next week as a "cool or cold easterly airflow" will cross over Ireland.

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Carlow Weatherman Alan O'Reilly has said rain and wind will increase from the south of the country on Wednesday and the unsettled weather will continue with more spells of rain to come but a lot of uncertainty around next week.

Rain and wind increasing from South on Wednesday. The unsettled weather continues with more spells of rain to come but a lot of uncertainty around next week. pic.twitter.com/l3fIPKA4DZ

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 20, 2026

Until then, most parts of the country will be a washout for the days ahead with outbreaks of scattered showers, heavy at times, strong gusts, and fog in some places.

While there are no weather warnings currently in place, drivers are urged to be cautious on the roads as heavy rain can cause poor visibility and difficult driving conditions.

Today

Outbreaks of rain will spread northwards across the country through this morning and afternoon. The rain will continue in parts of the north and east into the evening, while a clearance to showers develops in other areas. Turning breezy with moderate to fresh and gusty easterly winds, occasionally becoming strong. Highest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees. A combination of spring tides and onshore winds may result in coastal flooding, particularly at high tide along the south and east coasts.

Rain will be mainly confined to the north and east early tonight, with scattered showers and some clear spells elsewhere. It will becoming mainly cloudy overnight with showery rain affecting most areas. The rain will turn heavy at times, particularly in the south. Areas of mist and fog will form too. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 8 degrees, coldest in the southwest where most clear spells will occur. Moderate to fresh easterly winds in Ulster but mainly light and variable elsewhere.

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Thursday

Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy and misty with outbreaks of rain, turning heavy at times. The best of any sunny spells will be in the southwest. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees with light to moderate and variable winds, occasionally fresh in Ulster.

Rain will clear northwards early on Thursday night, leaving scattered showers and clear spells, however areas of mist and fog will develop. Moderate to fresh easterly winds in Ulster at first, but otherwise winds will be light and variable. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +3 degrees, coldest in Munster.

Friday

Cloud and patchy rain or drizzle will develop in the south on Friday morning and will spread northwards through the day, with clear spells and showers following in the south during the evening. Becoming breezy with moderate to fresh easterly winds. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees.

Cloudy with patchy light rain or drizzle in northern areas and showers near the south coast on Friday night. Dry with clear spells across the centre of the country. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees with a moderate to fresh easterly breeze.

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The Weekend

There is some uncertainty in the forecast for the weekend but current indications are for patchy rain or showers at times but also some drier and brighter intervals. Breezy on Saturday with moderate to fresh easterly winds but becoming calmer on Sunday. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees.

Outlook for next week

Low pressure is forecast to remain in charge, bringing generally unsettled conditions. Potentially turning cooler early next week.