Storm Boelo set to batter Northern Ireland this weekend as Met Office warns of 75mph gusts

Northern Ireland is bracing for a weekend of severe weather after the Met Office named Storm Boelo, with winds potentially reaching 75mph in exposed areas and disruption possible across all six counties.

A Yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for the entire region, taking effect at 6pm on Saturday 24 October and remaining in place until 3pm on Sunday 25 October. The clocks go back one hour overnight, meaning the warning begins in British Summer Time (BST) and ends in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The storm is expected to bring widespread gusts of 50–60mph, with coastal and other exposed locations potentially experiencing winds of 65–75mph. Heavy, blustery showers will add to the difficult conditions.

All six counties under weather warning

The Met Office warning covers every county in Northern Ireland, including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.

Strong westerly winds are forecast to spread across the region during Saturday evening, with very windy conditions continuing overnight and into Sunday.

Winds are expected to gradually ease from the southwest during Sunday afternoon, although exposed areas could continue to experience challenging conditions before the storm clears.

Powerful Atlantic storm heading towards Northern Ireland

Storm Boelo, pronounced Boo-loh, is a deep area of low pressure being strengthened by an active jet stream as it travels across the Atlantic.

The system is expected to reach Northern Ireland and western Scotland on Saturday afternoon, bringing heavy rain from the west before winds intensify later in the day.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said:

“Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen.

“Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely. The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather.

“Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days.”

The highest gusts mentioned in the wider UK forecast relate particularly to exposed parts of Scotland and northern England. For Northern Ireland, the current warning indicates maximum gusts of 65–75mph in exposed locations.

Potential disruption across Northern Ireland

The combination of strong winds and heavy showers could create difficult conditions for motorists and people travelling over the weekend, particularly on exposed roads and in coastal areas.

The Met Office has warned that some disruption is possible, with residents encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts as the storm approaches.

Although the warning covers all of Northern Ireland, conditions will vary by location, with coastal and exposed areas expected to experience the strongest gusts.

Residents urged to secure outdoor items

With potentially damaging winds forecast, householders are being encouraged to take simple precautions before Saturday evening.

The Met Office recommends checking gardens and outdoor areas for loose objects that could be blown around during the storm.

Items to check include:

• Bins – secure them to prevent them being blown over or displaced.

• Plant pots – move loose pots into a sheltered location.

• Garden furniture – bring items indoors or secure them firmly.

• Trampolines – turn them upside down or secure them using suitable ground anchors or tent pegs.

• Sheds – ensure doors are properly closed and locked.

Taking precautions ahead of the strongest winds can help reduce the risk of damage to property and injury from flying debris.

Two named storms affecting the UK

Storm Boelo is a separate weather system from Storm Austen, which is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern England and Wales during Thursday night and Friday.

Amber and Yellow weather warnings have been updated for Storm Austen, with the strongest winds expected to affect parts of southern Britain before the system moves into the North Sea on Friday evening.

A brief period of higher pressure is forecast overnight on Friday into Saturday before Storm Boelo arrives, bringing another spell of widespread rain and increasingly strong winds.

Scotland and parts of northern England are also under a Yellow wind warning from 6pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday, with gusts potentially reaching 70–80mph in the most exposed coastal locations.

Keep up to date with the latest warnings

For Northern Ireland, the main period of concern is Saturday evening through to Sunday afternoon, when strong winds are expected across the region.

The Met Office has indicated that warnings and forecast details may change as the storm approaches.

Residents are advised to check the latest weather warnings at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings⁠ and make any necessary preparations before conditions deteriorate on Saturday evening.

Residents are also reminded that the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October, marking the end of British Summer Time. This means Storm Boelo’s Yellow wind warning will begin at 6pm BST on Saturday and remain in place until 3pm GMT on Sunday.