As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, weather forecasters are warning of a wet and wild weekend ahead. A series of rain and drizzle events, punctuated by the possibility of thunderstorms, is expected to sweep across many parts of the country, putting a damper on outdoor celebrations and parades. While some areas may welcome the moisture after a period of dry weather, the unsettled conditions could make travel difficult and lead to localized flooding. Here’s what you need to know about the St. Patrick’s Day weather forecast and how it could impact your plans.
The forecast for St Patrick’s Day in Ireland this year is looking rather bleak, with rain, drizzle, and thunderstorms expected in some parts of the country. Met Eireann, Ireland’s national weather service, has updated its forecast, warning of unsettled conditions over the long bank holiday weekend ahead.
According to The Journal.ie, the weather on St Patrick’s Day itself is expected to be largely overcast, with spells of rain and drizzle throughout the day. Some areas may see periods of heavy rain, with even the possibility of thunderstorms in some parts of the country.
The Irish Mirror reports that those in Dublin, Cork, and other areas of the country can expect similar conditions, with the possibility of some brighter spells later in the day. However, the overall forecast is for a wet and grey St Patrick’s Day, with temperatures expected to stay in the range of 8-12 degrees Celsius.
Dublin Live warns that rain is expected to persist throughout the weekend, with Monday, March 22nd particularly looking like a washout. The unsettled weather is being attributed to an area of low pressure that is expected to move into the country over the weekend.
Despite the bleak forecast, there is still plenty of indoor and online entertainment on offer for those looking to celebrate from the safety and comfort of their own homes. The Irish Examiner has compiled a list of virtual St Patrick’s Day events and activities, ranging from live music sessions to cooking classes and cultural tours. The paper also suggests that those looking to mark the occasion with a traditional meal might have better luck ordering in than braving the crowded streets and restaurants.
Overall, it looks like this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Ireland will be a rather soggy affair. However, with the country still under strict lockdown measures, many will likely be grateful for any excuse to stay indoors and avoid the crowds. And who knows – perhaps the rain will be seen as a sign of good luck and a promising year ahead.
