Ireland could see the first named storm of the 2026/27 season later this week as weather models signal a spell of wet and windy conditions.

The first potential storm is currently being monitored for Thursday night into Friday, although there remains uncertainty over its track.

If it develops sufficiently to become the first named storm of the season, it would be called Storm Austen.

Austen is the first name on this season’s official storm list and was chosen by Met Éireann in honour of Austen H. Nagle, the first director of the Irish Meteorological Service.

Carlow Weather said current charts show the system could remain to the south of Ireland, potentially keeping the strongest winds away while still bringing rain.

The independent forecaster said: ‘The first potential storm is Thursday night into Friday but it could stay South of Ireland keeping strong winds away but bringing us rain.’

Met Éireann is also forecasting a significant deterioration in conditions on Thursday.

The national forecaster says rain will arrive in the southwest during the afternoon, with heavy falls likely as it spreads across the country.

It currently expects Thursday to become ‘very windy’, with strong and gusty northwesterly winds before the rain clears eastwards overnight.

Friday is forecast to bring scattered showers and blustery winds, while unsettled conditions are expected to continue into the weekend.

Another possible system is also being monitored for Sunday.

Carlow Weather said the latest charts currently show that system staying northwest of Ireland, which could be good news for those taking part in the Dublin City Marathon.

However, it stressed that there remains considerable uncertainty and forecasts are likely to change over the coming days.

No storm has been officially named at this stage.