Cloud and drizzle forecast for bank holiday weekend; swimmers warned of cold waters

A mostly cloudy weekend is forecast for the bank holiday weekend with some scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle also set to sweep across Munster.

Forecaster Met Éireann has forecast a mostly cloudy day on Saturday with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle and light to moderate westerly breezes.

Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees are expected during the day before mist and hill and coastal fog roll in on Saturday night with temperatures dropping to between 5 and 9 degrees.

It will be cloudy for a time on Sunday, with rain and drizzle also forecast before the day becomes a little brighter with some sunny spells across Munster. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees are forecast.

Sunday night will be cloudy with a patchy light rain and drizzle at times and lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees.

Bright spells are forecast for Monday and while it will be mostly cloudy, there will be plenty of dry weather with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle.

Highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees are forecast along with fresh and gusty southwest winds which will become strong at times in coastal parts of the northwest and west.

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland issued a joint water safety appeal on Friday asking people to stay safe when in, near or on the water this bank holiday weekend.

All three organisations have warned that water temperatures are still cold, meaning cold water shock and hypothermia are risks that can affect everyone when sea swimming or on a coastal walk and advised people to acclimatise to the water slowly and warm up quickly upon exiting the water.

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise everyone intending to take part in any water-based activity or coastal walks to ensure they check in advance what they should do to keep safe.

Those intending to head out on the water or visit the coast are advised to never mix alcohol with water activities; always check the weather and tides; carry a reliable means of raising the alarm – a VHF radio, personal locator beacon (PLB) or a fully charged mobile phone; tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back; wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device when boating or angling; and watch out for incoming tides to avoid getting cut off.

Those who intend on entering the water for a swim this weekend are advised to consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm; acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility; and to never swim alone and always ensure that a colleague is monitoring your activity.

Coast Guard Head of Operations Gerard O’Flynn highlighted the importance of planning activities carefully this time of the year given that the weather conditions can be cold and changeable.

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney warned that winter storms have damaged many waterside walking routes that were considered familiar and safe but may now be hazardous.

“Erosion underfoot is not always obvious until it is too late. Tell children in your care that to stay SAFE is to stay away from edges,” he said.

Use walkways that have public rescue equipment such as ring buoys in bright yellow boxes. Report missing or vandalised ring buoys at www.ringbuoys.ie, as a stolen ring buoy could mean a stolen life.

RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne advised anyone who finds themselves struggling in the water not to panic and to float by tilting their head back with their ears submerged.

“Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. 

"Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety,” she said.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble; Dial 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.

For guidance on water safety planning, click here.