Storm Dave named ahead of windy Easter weekend as warning issued for Northern Ireland

Easter weekend weather across Northern Ireland is set to take a sharp turn, with the Met Office naming Storm Dave as a rapidly deepening Atlantic low-pressure system expected to bring potentially disruptive winds across the region from Saturday afternoon into the early hours of Easter Sunday.

After a largely fine and bright start to the week, forecasters say conditions will become significantly more unsettled as the holiday weekend begins, with Northern Ireland among the areas most likely to see the storm’s impacts.

A yellow severe weather warning for wind has now been updated for Northern Ireland and will remain in place from 14:00 on Saturday 4 April 2026 until 02:00 on Sunday 5 April 2026.

The warning comes as the Met Office says Storm Dave is expected to deepen rapidly as it approaches from the west, bringing a spell of very strong winds, dangerous coastal conditions and possible travel disruption.

Strongest impacts expected from Saturday afternoon

Forecasters say wind speeds in Northern Ireland are expected to strengthen earlier than elsewhere in the UK, with the most severe gusts likely to develop during Saturday afternoon and continue into Saturday night.

Across the region, gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected fairly widely, while more exposed and coastal locations could see gusts reaching 60 to 70mph.

The storm system is then expected to move northeastwards across northwestern parts of the UK overnight before gradually clearing northwards on Sunday.

The Met Office warned that while there remains some uncertainty around the exact track and intensity of the storm, the risk of disruption is already significant enough to warrant the yellow alert.

A statement issued alongside the warning said:

“Storm Dave brings a spell of very strong winds Saturday into Easter Sunday morning which may cause some damage and travel disruption across the region.”

Coastal warning as large waves expected

One of the key public safety concerns for Northern Ireland is the risk along coastal areas, particularly exposed shorelines facing the prevailing wind direction.

The Met Office said large waves may lead to dangerous conditions around windward coasts, raising concern for walkers, drivers on exposed coastal routes and anyone planning Easter weekend visits to beaches or seaside locations.

This could be particularly relevant for communities and visitors along the north coast and coastal routes where high winds combined with wave action may create hazardous conditions.

With many families expected to travel or make outdoor plans over the Easter break, the warning is likely to be closely watched.

Met Office: people should prepare property now

Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said the storm is expected to intensify rapidly as it nears the UK.

He said:

“Storm Dave will form and rapidly deepen on Saturday as it approaches the UK from the west. By Saturday afternoon winds will strengthen significantly, with gusts of 60-70mph expected at times across parts of Scotland with the potential for gusts of 80-90mph in exposed coastal locations in Scotland. Gusts of 50-60mph are likely more widely in northern Britain.

“As well as strong winds, Storm Dave will also bring heavy snowfall over the hills in northern Scotland where up to 10-20cm of snow could accumulate. Along with the strong winds this will lead to blizzard conditions. Elsewhere there will be heavy spells of rain as the system moves through eastwards across the UK.

“With Storm Dave a few days away, people should prepare their property for the strong winds and keep updated with the latest weather forecast as the weather warnings are likely to be updated.”

While the most extreme conditions are expected in Scotland, Northern Ireland remains firmly within the zone of potentially disruptive winds.

Good Friday to bring rain before storm arrives

Ahead of the main storm system, the weather is expected to deteriorate gradually from Thursday night into Good Friday.

After a dry and bright Thursday, cloud is forecast to increase before rain spreads eastwards across much of the UK overnight and into Friday.

For Northern Ireland, this means a wet start to the Easter break before stronger winds arrive later on Saturday.

The Met Office said the front moving through on Friday will bring widespread rain, with cooler air following behind.

Easter Sunday and Monday outlook for Northern Ireland

Even after Storm Dave begins to clear on Sunday, unsettled conditions are expected to continue.

The Met Office says that as the storm moves into the North Sea on Sunday afternoon, frequent blustery showers will continue to feed into Northern Ireland and Scotland.

These may be sharp and locally heavy at times, adding to the unsettled feel through Easter Sunday.

However, there is some better news for those planning activities later in the holiday weekend.

Monday expected to be the driest day

Easter Monday is currently forecast to be the driest day of the weekend.

A brief ridge of higher pressure is expected to move in behind the storm, bringing a more settled day with plenty of cloud but also some brighter spells.

While Northern Ireland may still see some cloud cover and isolated showers, overall conditions are expected to improve compared with Saturday night and Sunday morning.

This could offer the best window for Easter travel, family outings and local events across Ballymena and the wider region.

Storm impacts not expected across entire UK

The Met Office stressed that Storm Dave’s most severe effects will mainly be felt across the northern half of the UK.

Southern parts of England and Wales are expected to remain breezy but generally drier, with some good sunny spells.

For Northern Ireland, however, the focus remains firmly on wind impacts, possible travel delays and coastal safety.

New beach safety information added to Met Office app

With many people likely to head outdoors during the Easter break, the Met Office has also highlighted updates to its weather app, which now includes beach forecasts, tide times and water safety advice.

Weather presenter Annie Shuttleworth said:

“New features to the Met Office weather app, especially tide times and safety advice complement the existing weather forecast information, giving everyone access to beach safety information and the weather forecast within a single view.

“We have worked with the RNLI - our water safety partner – to provide a range of information that will help all visitors to get the most out of their seaside visit.”

Unsettled weather likely to continue next week

Looking beyond the Easter weekend, the outlook remains mixed.

Forecasters say next week is likely to stay unsettled, with further bands of cloud and rain expected to move in from the west.

Temperatures are forecast to remain around average for the time of year.

For readers across Ballymena and Northern Ireland, the key message ahead of the weekend is clear: Saturday afternoon into early Sunday currently poses the greatest risk from Storm Dave, with strong winds, possible disruption and hazardous coastal conditions likely.