ieExplains: What is the difference between the Met Éireann weather warnings
Met Éireann also notes that the impact from wind, rain, and snow can vary depending on location, recent weather conditions, ground conditions, the time of year, and the duration of the event. Picture: Larry Cummins
One of Met Éireann's most important roles is in issuing weather warnings to ensure people can take precautions in the event of extreme weather.
But, there is often confusion among the public as to what these warnings mean and why they are issued.
This is what Met Éireann has to say about the yellow, orange, and red weather warnings.
- Yellow warnings are issued for "not unusual weather, localised danger."
- Orange warnings are infrequent, and issued for "dangerous / disruptive" weather.
- Red warnings are rare, and issued for "extremely dangerous / destructive" weather.
Met Éireann also notes that the impact from wind, rain, and snow can vary depending on location, recent weather conditions, ground conditions, the time of year, and the duration of the event.
Specifically on orange and red events, it says:
- “A status orange weather warning is given before expected weather conditions that could significantly impact people, property and activity in an area. People in the affected areas should prepare appropriately now for the anticipated conditions.”
- “A status red severe weather warning is rarely issued but when it is, people in the areas expected to be affected should take action to protect themselves and/or their properties.”
There are specific requirements for the issuing of weather warnings.
In the case of rain, the following is applied:
Status yellow warnings can be issued for:
- 20 to 30mm of rain in 6 hours or less;
- 30mm to 40mm of rain in 12 hours or less;
- 30mm to 50mm of rain in 24 hours.
Status orange warnings:
- 30mm — 50mm in 6 hrs or less.
- 40mm — 60mm in 12 hrs or less.
- 50mm — 80mm in 24 hrs
Status red warnings:
- Greater than 50mm in 6 hrs or less.
- Greater than 60mm in 12 hrs or less.
- Greater than 80mm in 24 hrs or less.
In terms of wind, Met Éireann says:
Status yellow warnings can be issued for:
- Widespread mean speeds between 50 and 65km/h
- Widespread gusts between 90 and 110km/h
Status orange warnings:
- Widespread mean speeds between 65 and 80km/h
- Widespread gusts between 110 and 130km/h
Status red warnings:
- Widespread mean speeds in excess of 80km/h
- Widespread gusts in excess of 130km/h
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
