Storm Jonas and the gales to arrive tomorrow

Precautionary warnings have been issued for heavy rain and gales into Tuesday, but experts said that the north west of Ireland will not experience anything on a par with the havoc wreaked by snow storms across the eastern states of America.

The storm is expected to warm and become tame as it travels across the Atlantic and comes into contact with the record-breaking warm January temperatures currently being experienced here.

On Sunday, Malin Head Weather Station recorded its warmest January temperature since records began, at 15 degrees Celsius.

The same temperature was also recorded at Benone, Magilligan.

Similar freak weather is currently being experienced across the rest of the north west, with a mixed bag of showers, gales, mild spells and colder interludes predicted for the rest of this week.

Speaking about the arrival of Storm Jonas in Ireland on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Met Eireann said: “The very strong southerly winds will veer southwest and ease gradually during the day, but it will stay windy until early or mid-afternoon. Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees.

“Heavy rain will spread to many parts on Tuesday night and it will become very windy again with strong to gale force and gusty southwest winds, veering northwest later. It will stay rather mild overnight.

“The last of the rain will clear early on Wednesday and it will turn colder with sunshine and showers, some wintry in the north on high ground. Afternoon temperatures will only be between 4 and 7 degrees and it will feel colder in fresh westerly winds.”

The Met Office in the UK meanwhile has predicted for Tuesday: “A wet and windy day with gales in exposure. The rain will be heavy at times, especially over western hills. Rain clearing to blustery showers in the north later.

“Very unsettled and windy through the rest of the week, with particularly wet conditions across some western areas. Generally becoming mild again, although with another brief colder interlude on Thursday.”