Hailstorm Alert for Ireland: First Major Thundery Downpours with Severe Gusts Expected
The sky has really clouded over, hasn't it? One minute it was pleasantly warm, almost summery – and now this: Dark clouds, the first flashes on the horizon, and then the hail starts. Anyone caught outside was probably dashing for the nearest doorway pretty sharpish. The first severe thundery downpours are rolling across Ireland, and the forecasts aren't looking great.
It's been particularly noisy around the Galway area. Locals know the drill: just wait for the shower to pass. But when the hailstones get as big as marbles, you're definitely keeping an eye out the window to check if the car is still in one piece. A mate of mine just got his convertible out of winter storage – sounds like it'll be straight back into the garage for him. Farmers especially are dreading skies like this. The fruit trees have only just blossomed, and if heavy hail comes down, the crop is done for. It's just heartbreaking.
Meteorologists are now warning for the rest of the day and tonight: it's going to get rough. Besides the west, parts of the midlands and the south-east are also expected to be affected. The latest calculations show the storm cells are continuing to build up. Honestly, if you're planning a hike now, you'd be better off turning back. Mountain peaks are often a perfect lightning rod. And even down in the valley, you're not safe if you shelter under a tree – definitely don't do that! Better to just pop into a café for a bit and wait until the worst has passed.
Something I've always found fascinating: our old farming proverbs and the shorthand our grandparents used in their weather diaries. You'd see entries like:
- H. for Hail
- T. for Thunder
- S. for Storm
- L. for Sheet lightning
- Dr. for dull/dreary and Cl. for clear
- Rn. for Rain, Sn. for Snow
- Drzl. for Drizzle, F. for Fog
- Fr.F. for Freezing fog and H.F. for High fog/stratus
Sounds complicated, but our grandfathers could read exactly what kind of summer was coming from these signs. These days we have the weather app on our phones – but it's not quite the same, is it?
It's also interesting how much the weather captures people's imagination. I saw a fella the other day proudly wearing a "Tornado Hail Storm Enthusiast" t-shirt. A real weather nerd – but kind of cool that there are people who voluntarily get stuck into all this chaos. Or those novelty Irish weather sweatshirts plastered with symbols for rain, hail and storm. I mean, given the weather we get, you can understand it. And then there's the hardcore version for meteorologists: the "What the hail?!" sweatshirt. Some people have a great sense of humour.
But seriously now, if you value your car or you've left the barbecue out on the patio, you'd be wise to prepare. There are things like heavy-duty weatherproof covers that protect against rain, hail, snow and ice. Might seem like a bit of hassle, but if your car's bodywork looks like a golf ball after a storm, you'll be kicking yourself. Just whip the cover on and you're sorted – they're UV-resistant and take a fair bit of punishment. Same goes for plants and delicate garden beds: cover them up or bring them in if you can, and quick about it.
The next few hours are going to be eventful. The sky will keep clouding over, and more storms could roll in through the night. So keep your wits about you, secure any loose items on the balcony or patio, and if there's lightning: get indoors, and don't worry about unplugging the landline (that's an old myth, but lightning can still cause power surges). And remember: after the storm, the sun usually comes out again – and then the air is so beautifully clear you can see for miles. That's the reward for sticking it out.
Stay safe and take care, everyone!