RTÉ launches redesigned weather forecasts

RTÉ has announced a long overdue upgrade to its weather forecasting with the launch of a new graphics system and on-screen presentation.

The visual overhaul of the broadcaster's weather reports is the first in over eight years.

From Monday viewers will see a 3D map of Ireland with enhanced topography that allows them to see mountains, valleys and coastlines more clearly.

Local towns and regions will now be individually highlighted, making it easier for people to see tailored forecasts for where they live.

Severe weather warnings will appear in bold, high-contrast formats for greater impact, and animations will now show forecasts over time – such as rainfall moving across the country or temperatures rising through the week – making it easier to understand how conditions are expected to change.

The new system comes after a heatwave in Ireland, with the highest temperature of the year so far recorded on Saturday.

David Timpson, manager of RTÉ Weather, said: “Weather is more than temperature and rainfall — it's about planning, protection, public trust and safety. This new system allows us to produce clearer, more engaging content across multiple platforms, using the most reliable data from our partners at Met Éireann, while staying true to our editorial purpose.

“With graphics and capabilities that are now best-in-class internationally, we’re proud to bring Irish audiences a weather service that rivals leading broadcasters around the world.”

Gerry Murphy, Met Éireann’s television meteorologist team lead, said: “Our collaboration with RTÉ is rooted in public service. Clear communication of weather information is an essential part of this service. With this new weather graphics system, our data and expert analyses can be visualised with greater clarity than ever before.

“Our goal is to fully exploit this system to ensure that viewers have a clear understanding of upcoming weather and can prepare with confidence for weather impacts”.