Met Office issues weather warning for Storm Christoph

This week is set to be a washout

Met Office
Author: Paulo RossPublished 18th Jan 2021
Last updated 18th Jan 2021

Heavy persistent rain and hill snow is expected to affect parts of Northern Ireland over the next 24-48 hours according to the Met Office.

Forecasters have issued a yellow severe weather warning as persistent rain is likely to develop through Tuesday and Wednesday across counties Down, Antrim, Fermanagh, Armagh, Tyrone & Derry~Londonderry.

"Rainfall accumulations of 20-30 mm are expected quite widely and some places, mostly over higher ground, could see 30-50 mm rain. This wet weather will clear eastwards early on Wednesday. Later on Tuesday rain will also turn to snow over hills, initially down to 300-400 m and then down to 100-200 m Tuesday evening and night."

The Met Office's weather warning comes into effect from midnight tonight lasting through until 12:00 Wednesday.

"There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water leading to longer journey times by car and bus"

"Delays to train and bus services are possible"

Are you ready for winter? With most of us spending more time at home, being prepared for winter is more important than ever. Northern Ireland’s main utilities want to encourage everyone to get ready for the possibility of extreme weather over the coming months, making sure you know who to contact and how to stay safe in case your utility services are disrupted. Below you will find the contact details of the main utility providers and how to get in touch if you need to. You can also visit their websites for some top tips on how to get winter ready.

NORTHERN IRELAND FIVE DAY FORECAST

This Evening and Tonight:

Cloudy with occasional rain, this patchy across the north, persistent in south with some heavier outbreaks towards the southern border. Light southwesterly winds and perhaps some frost in the north. Minimum temperature 2 °C.

Tuesday:

Similar to overnight conditions with cloudy skies coupled with rain, this patchy in the north, persistent in south with some heavier outbreaks towards the southern border. Winds light and variable. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Showers on Wednesday mainly in north, brighter in the south. Brisk northerly winds bringing occasional showers for Thursday. Cold in northerly breezes Friday, with isolated showers.