Another Weather Twist As ‘Spanish Plume’ Set To Hit Ireland For August Bank Holiday Weekend

Megan Cassidy

If you’re considering packing away the BBQ until next year, think again.

It’s been a summer of weird weather surprises – and today is no different as a yellow weather warning for rain this weekend has been chased by a prediction of a “Spanish Plume” in the coming weeks.

Only yesterday, 16 counties were affected by the alert which predicted thundery downpours with up to 40mm of rain.

Now, forecasters are predicting sizzling temperatures in the coming weeks as weather models show possibility of Spanish Plume hitting Ireland.

Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly said long range weather models are showing the possibility of the Spanish plume’s arrival on the Bank Holiday Monday, tweeting:

‘Long range GFS wants to bring Spanish Plume to us for August Bank Holiday Monday! Long way off and likely to change but if that came off .’

Long range GFS wants to bring Spanish Plume to us for August Bank Holiday Monday! Long way off and likely to change but if that came off ???????? pic.twitter.com/zLCNHHDi11

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) July 28, 2018

Whether or not the Spanish plume arrives, we can expect more warm, settled weather in the coming weeks.

The forecaster went on to write: ‘If you think this rain is the end of our summer then think again! Settled warm weather is looking very likely to return later next week. Don’t put away the shorts yet!’

If you think this rain is the end of our summer then think again! Settled warm weather is looking very likely to return later next week. Don’t put away the shorts yet! pic.twitter.com/m5uuCjjbAt

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) July 28, 2018

According to the UK Met Office, a Spanish plume means increased risk of thunderstorms but also very warm air moving towards Ireland or the UK:

“The very warm air moving northwards from Spain will rise as hot air is less dense than cold air.

“As this unstable air rises it cools leading to the formation of clouds, in this case cumulonimbus or thunder clouds.

“As cooler air spreads from the west instability increases and the very warm air rises through the cooler air, enhancing the formation of thunderstorms.

“The very warm air from Spain forms a layer at height and acts as a lid, initially preventing warm air rising from the surface.”