As Hurricane Ernesto churns through the western Atlantic, questions have arisen about whether Ireland might experience any direct impacts from this powerful storm. Met Éireann has been closely monitoring Ernesto’s progress and has provided clarity on the situation.

The short answer is: Ireland will not be directly hit by Hurricane Ernesto. However, there is a possibility that the remnants of Ernesto could indirectly influence our weather next week, bringing wet and windy conditions to parts of the country.

Ernesto is expected to transition into a mid-latitude storm as it approaches northeastern Canada early next week. From there, its remnants may track eastwards into the open Atlantic, with a potential impact on Ireland’s weather by mid-week. The forecast for Wednesday 21st August through Thursday 22nd August suggests the likelihood of some unsettled weather, although the precise details remain uncertain.

This uncertainty highlights the challenges of predicting the behaviour of hurricanes and their remnants, especially as they interact with other weather systems in the mid-latitudes. Met Éireann advises staying updated on the latest forecasts as they continue to monitor Ernesto’s evolution.

In the broader context, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has already been marked by notable storms such as Beryl and Debby. Predictions for the season suggest it will be an above-average year, partly due to elevated sea surface temperatures and the anticipated development of La Niña, conditions that typically favour increased hurricane activity.

While Ireland is not in the direct path of these Atlantic hurricanes, their indirect effects, such as shifts in weather patterns, can still lead to significant impacts, as seen with Hurricane Debby last week.

For the latest updates, visit Met Éireann’s website or use their app.