Met Office updates yellow warning for Northern Ireland as Storm Dave threat intensifies
- Love Ballymena
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
The Met Office has updated its yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland as Storm Dave is now expected to bring a more intense spell of damaging winds from Saturday afternoon into Easter Sunday morning, with forecasters warning that some areas could briefly see gusts of up to 80mph.
The updated warning is now in force from 14:00 on Saturday 4 April 2026 until 03:00 on Sunday 5 April 2026, extending the period of concern into the early hours of Easter Sunday.
The latest forecast points to a heightened risk of travel disruption, some structural damage and dangerous coastal conditions, particularly during Saturday evening when the strongest winds are expected to hit.
Strongest winds expected on Saturday evening
According to the latest Met Office update, Storm Dave — a rapidly deepening Atlantic low-pressure system — will pass close to Ireland before moving across Scotland overnight.
While some uncertainty remains around the exact track and shape of the system, forecasters say Northern Ireland is likely to face a significant spell of strong winds.
A Met Office warning states:
“Storm Dave brings a spell of very strong winds Saturday into Easter Sunday morning which may cause some damage and travel disruption.”
Across much of Northern Ireland, gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected fairly widely, with 60 to 70mph in more exposed locations.
However, the latest update adds a more serious possibility, with the Met Office warning that there is a small chance of gusts of 70 to 80mph briefly during Saturday evening.
This marks a notable increase in the potential severity of the storm for some areas.
Higher risk for exposed and coastal areas
The strongest conditions are expected in exposed inland locations and especially along coastal routes and open shorelines.
The Met Office said large waves may lead to dangerous conditions around windward coasts, raising concerns for anyone planning to travel near the coast or visit seaside areas over the Easter weekend.
For communities along exposed coastal stretches, the combination of strong winds and wave action could create hazardous conditions for drivers, walkers and sightseers.
This is likely to be of particular concern for north coast routes and exposed roads across the wider region.
Travel warning as Easter journeys begin
Motorists and families heading away for the Easter break are being warned to expect difficult travel conditions from Saturday afternoon as Storm Dave approaches Northern Ireland.
Strong crosswinds may make driving hazardous, particularly on exposed routes and for high-sided vehicles, while debris, fallen branches and surface spray could lead to localised disruption.
Public transport services, ferry crossings and coastal routes may also be affected as winds intensify through Saturday evening and into the early hours of Sunday.
The greatest risk window currently remains Saturday evening through the early hours of Sunday morning.
Residents are being advised to secure loose outdoor items, take care on the roads and continue checking updated forecasts as Storm Dave approaches.
Easter Sunday conditions expected to improve gradually
The storm is expected to clear into the North Sea during Sunday, with winds gradually easing through the morning.
However, blustery conditions may continue into the first half of Easter Sunday before a more settled spell develops later in the day and into Monday.
For readers across Ballymena and Northern Ireland, the updated forecast suggests Saturday evening will be the most disruptive period, with the potential for locally severe gusts and hazardous coastal conditions.
At a glance
Met Office has updated its yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland
Warning now runs from 2pm Saturday until 3am Sunday
Gusts of 50–60mph expected widely
60–70mph likely in exposed locations
Small chance of brief 70–80mph gusts Saturday evening
Risk of travel disruption and some damage
Dangerous coastal conditions and large waves possible
