Met Office issues two yellow wind warnings for Northern Ireland with gusts up to 65mph
Monday 26 October 2026
Northern Ireland is facing another spell of potentially disruptive weather, with the Met Office issuing two yellow wind warnings covering Monday evening and much of Tuesday, just days after Storm Boelo brought strong winds across the region.
Gusts of up to 65mph are forecast along exposed coasts and over high ground during the first warning, with heavy rain also expected at times.
County Antrim is included in both warnings, meaning Ballymena and surrounding areas could experience strong winds from Monday evening, with further windy conditions possible throughout Tuesday.
First warning: Monday evening into Tuesday morning
The first yellow warning comes into effect at 6pm on Monday 26 October and remains in place until 3am on Tuesday 27 October.
It covers Counties Antrim and Down, with south to south-westerly winds expected to strengthen from the west during Monday evening.
The Met Office forecasts:
• Inland areas – wind gusts of 45–50mph.
• Exposed coastal areas – gusts of 60–65mph.
• Higher ground – gusts potentially reaching 60–65mph.
• Rainfall – heavy rain accompanying the strong winds at times.
Winds are expected to ease from the west during the early hours of Tuesday, although this improvement may be short-lived as another period of strong winds develops across northern parts of the UK.
Second warning: Strong winds possible throughout Tuesday
A further yellow wind warning begins at 3am on Tuesday 27 October and continues until 9pm that evening.
This warning affects Counties Antrim and Londonderry, with the Met Office highlighting the potential for damaging gusts and disruption to transport.
Strong west to south-westerly winds are forecast to spread across much of Scotland, with the affected area extending into northern parts of Northern Ireland.
Gusts of 50–60mph are possible quite widely across the wider warning area, although the strongest winds are expected further north in Scotland.
Some coastal and exposed locations in the northwest and far north of Scotland could experience gusts of 70mph or more, particularly around the Hebrides.
The Met Office has stressed that uncertainty remains over the highest wind speeds, with the precise location and strength of the most severe gusts still subject to change.
The strongest winds are expected to ease from the southwest later on Tuesday, with northern Scotland likely to experience the longest period of windy conditions.
Potential disruption for residents and motorists
The warnings raise the possibility of further travel disruption and hazardous conditions, particularly in exposed locations and on roads affected by strong crosswinds.
Residents in Ballymena and across County Antrim should be prepared for potentially difficult driving conditions, especially on open roads and higher routes.
Strong winds may also bring down branches or dislodge unsecured objects, while heavy rain during Monday evening could make travelling more difficult.
People are advised to:
• Secure garden furniture, bins and other loose outdoor items.
• Take additional care when driving, particularly in exposed areas.
• Avoid unnecessary risks near trees, coastal paths and exposed locations.
• Allow extra time for journeys and check transport updates.
County Antrim covered by both warnings
While County Down is included in Monday night's warning, the second warning shifts its Northern Ireland coverage to Counties Antrim and Londonderry on Tuesday.
For County Antrim residents, the two warnings run consecutively from 6pm on Monday until 9pm on Tuesday, although wind strength and the likelihood of disruption will vary throughout that period.
The Met Office is continuing to monitor the developing weather conditions, particularly the uncertainty surrounding Tuesday's strongest gusts.
Residents should keep an eye on updated forecasts and warnings, with the potential for further disruption dependent on how the winds develop over the next 24 hours.
