A weather phenomenon that cools ocean temperatures and wreaks havoc on weather conditions could impact Ireland in the coming weeks.
Forecasters are watching a rare “long La Nina” weather phenomenon which could cause our weather to take a nosedive in late Autumn or early Winter, according to the BBC.
It was actually the Australian Bureau of Meteorology that spotted the triple-dip La Niña forming in the Pacific for the third consecutive year and it could have major impacts on weather patterns worldwide.
Read More: Ireland could get first White Christmas in 12 years amid weather phenomenon
La Niña occurs naturally and essentially results in a widespread cooling of ocean surface temperature.
It can result in more rain in normally dry countries like Australia, worryingly dry conditions to parts of the already drought-ridden East Africa and colder and stormy conditions here in Ireland and the UK.
This year is just the third time since records began that the world has seen three consecutive La Niña weather events. Forecasters here and abroad will be watching it closely as it develops.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann is so far predicting a mild October with Ireland not likely to get its first proper blast of winter until later in the month or early November.
Ireland’s first cold blast looks set to arrive later this month as an Atlantic frontal system brings rain, wind, and potential weather warnings.
Despite the brief wintery arrival, the majority of the month will be dominated by a high-pressure system - meaning things will be relatively mild for the time of year temperature-wise.
According to Met Eireann’s long-range forecast, week one of October from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 will see high pressure centred to the south of Ireland with low pressure further north.
“This will maintain a southwesterly airflow over the country and this airflow will steer mild, moist air over Ireland through the week,” the Irish forecasters say.
As a result, temperatures will be above average, but it will also be wetter than average for most places, as Atlantic frontal systems track across us.
However, parts of the southeast will be slightly drier than average as they will be more sheltered in the southwesterly flow. At this point, rainfall warnings are possible, particularly in western areas.
In week 2, from Monday 10 to Sunday 16, high pressure will become more dominant bringing drier and more settled conditions across Ireland.
Rainfall will be around normal or slightly below as a northwesterly airflow becomes established, and temperatures will fall slightly compared to the previous week but will remain just above average.
In week 3 from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 this high-pressure system will recede to the south once again, with low pressure to the north beginning to have more of an influence.
“As a result, this week will turn more changeable with some rain and showers moving in from the west,” Met Eireann says.
Rainfall will be near normal generally, with the wettest conditions in the north and drier conditions further south.
Then in the final week from Monday 24 to Sunday 30, “there are tentative signs that high pressure will make a return once again.”
Things will be more settled as a result, with drier than average conditions signalled nationwide and indications suggest that temperatures will remain slightly above normal.
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