By Quick answer: Met Éireann issues weather warnings in three colour-coded levels. Status Yellow means be aware, Status Orange means be prepared for dangerous conditions, and Status Red means take action to protect yourself and others. Warnings are county-specific and show a start and end time. The live list is always on met.ie.
What do the three warning levels mean?
| Level | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Be aware. Potentially dangerous weather, mainly for those exposed to it. | Check forecasts, secure loose items, allow extra travel time. |
| Orange | Be prepared. Dangerous weather is expected; disruption is likely. | Avoid unnecessary journeys, prepare for power cuts, keep phones charged. |
| Red | Take action. Rare, severe, widespread danger. | Follow official advice, stay indoors where possible, avoid travel. |
These levels reflect a mix of how severe the weather is and how likely it is to have an impact. Yellow warnings are the most common. Red warnings are rare.
What types of weather does Met Éireann warn about?
Warnings cover wind, rain, snow and ice, thunderstorms, fog, high temperatures and low temperatures, as well as coastal flooding and marine conditions. Each warning names the counties affected and gives the valid-from and valid-until times, which matter more than the colour when planning your day.
How do named storms fit in?
Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands use a shared storm-naming system. A storm is named when it is expected to have a medium or high impact. Storm Austen was the first named storm of the 2026/27 season, bringing heavy rain and wind warnings in late October. A named storm does not always mean an orange or red warning, and warnings can be issued without a name.
Where can I check the latest warnings?
- met.ie and the Met Éireann app, which carry the live warning map and county breakdown.
- RTÉ, Virgin Media and local radio, which relay updates during major events.
- Your local authority for road closures, flooding and rest-centre information.
For weather news on this site, treat Met Éireann as the primary source. Forecasts change quickly, and this article explains the system rather than predicting this weekend’s conditions.
Practical tips for each level
- Yellow: drive carefully, check bin collections and outdoor plans, and secure trampolines and garden furniture.
- Orange: charge devices, keep a torch and a battery radio, check on elderly neighbours, and plan to be off the roads during the worst hours.
- Red: follow Garda and local authority guidance, avoid coasts and fallen trees, and never drive through floodwater.
Key takeaways
- Yellow is aware, Orange is prepared, Red is act.
- Read the county list and the times on every warning.
- Use met.ie as the single source for live updates.
FAQs
What is the difference between a yellow and orange weather warning in Ireland?
Yellow means be aware of potentially dangerous conditions. Orange means be prepared, because dangerous weather is expected and disruption is likely.
How often does Ireland get a red weather warning?
Rarely. Red is reserved for severe, widespread and dangerous events.
Who issues weather warnings in Ireland?
Met Éireann, Ireland’s national meteorological service, which also names storms jointly with the UK Met Office and the Dutch KNMI.
Was there a named storm in Ireland this season?
Yes. Storm Austen was the first named storm of the 2026/27 season, in late October.
Where do I find the live Irish weather forecast?
On met.ie and in the Met Éireann app.
Sources: Met Éireann (met.ie) warning system; Irish Times, “Storm Austen powers towards Ireland” (20 October 2026); Agriland, Storm Austen coverage (22 October 2026).
