There’s something about checking tomorrow’s weather that feels like a small act of hope — especially when you’re in a part of Ireland where the forecast can change in an hour. For Carlow residents planning their Thursday, the outlook from Met Éireann (Ireland’s national meteorological service) offers a mix of heavy morning showers and a drier afternoon, with a 70% chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to reach 16°C, cooler than the May average.

Tomorrow’s high temperature: 16°C (61°F) (Met Éireann) ·
Chance of rain: 70% (Met Éireann) ·
Wind speed: 20 km/h (12 mph) (Met Éireann) ·
Sunrise: 5:24 AM ·
Sunset: 9:23 PM

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Tomorrow’s rain chance is 70% according to Met Éireann
  • High temperature around 16°C (61°F) per Met Éireann
  • January is the coldest month in Carlow (average high 8°C) source
2What’s unclear
  • Exactly how much snow Carlow will receive in winter 2026
  • The precise timing of when rain will clear tomorrow afternoon
  • Whether summer 2026 will be hotter than average
3Timeline signal
  • Morning: scattered showers, some heavy (Met Éireann)
  • Afternoon: persistent rain developing (Met Éireann)
  • Evening: drier weather returns (Met Éireann)
4What’s next
  • Early 2026: cold and wintry conditions forecast by Met Éireann
  • Winter 2025–2026: Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a very cold winter for Ireland (Met Éireann)

Six key numbers, one pattern: Carlow’s tomorrow is cooler and wetter than May norms, with a clear window of improvement by evening.

Attribute Value Source
Location Carlow, County Carlow, Ireland Met Éireann
Date Tomorrow
Forecast source Met Éireann Official site
Temperature range 10°C – 16°C Met Éireann
Rain chance 70% Met Éireann
Wind speed 20 km/h (12 mph) Met Éireann
Humidity 80% AccuWeather
Sunrise / Sunset 5:24 AM / 9:23 PM General

The table shows Met Éireann supplies the core data while AccuWeather adds the humidity reading — a detail that matters for how the air feels.

The upshot

Carlow’s morning will feel more like early spring than late May, with heavy showers and a cool northwest breeze. The afternoon improvement is real but late — don’t pack the umbrella until after 4 PM.

What is the chance of rain in Carlow tomorrow?

Hourly breakdown of rain probability

According to Met Éireann (Ireland’s national meteorological service), tomorrow morning will be cloudy with scattered showers, some heavy. More persistent rain is expected to spread from the west and south through the morning hours. By afternoon, drier weather with sunny spells will extend from the north across Carlow, but the timing remains uncertain. AccuWeather puts the precipitation chance at 49% for the early hours, with possible thunderstorms. Weather Underground forecasts light rain with a 50% chance and 0.07 inches of accumulation.

How does Met Éireann calculate rain chance?

Met Éireann uses rainfall radar updated every 5 minutes to measure precipitation accumulations in millimetres (rain, hail, snow) from hourly to six-hourly intervals, up to seven days ahead (Met Éireann radar explanation). A 70% chance means that in 7 out of 10 similar atmospheric setups, measurable rain falls within the forecast window.

Bottom line: Morning brings a 70% likelihood of heavy showers; afternoon turns drier. Carlow residents should plan for wet commutes but can expect improvement by late afternoon.
The trade-off

For anyone planning outdoor activities in Carlow tomorrow, the choice is between a wet morning and a usable evening. That afternoon window is real — but it narrows as the week progresses.

Will Ireland get snow this winter 2026?

Early 2026 winter forecast from Met Éireann

Long-range outlooks from Met Éireann suggest that 2026 could start with cold and wintry conditions, especially in higher elevations. The national forecaster notes that snow is possible, though accumulations at low altitudes like Carlow remain uncertain. Met Éireann’s seasonal guidance points to a higher-than-average chance of frost and snowfall in the first quarter.

Long-range outlook from the Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025–2026 predicts a notably cold winter for Ireland, with temperatures below seasonal norms and above-average precipitation, which would increase the likelihood of snow in Carlow. However, detailed snow forecasts for specific locations are not available this far out. (Old Farmer’s Almanac long-range)

The implication: both sources agree on a colder winter signal, but local snow accumulation remains a question mark for Carlow.

Bottom line: While snow in Carlow is not guaranteed, both Met Éireann and the Old Farmer’s Almanac point to a colder-than-average winter 2025–2026. Higher ground in Ireland will likely see snow; Carlow’s prospects hinge on how far south the cold air reaches.

What is the coldest month in Carlow?

Average monthly temperatures in Carlow

January is the coldest month in Carlow, with average high temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and lows near 2°C (36°F) (Met Éireann climate data). February is similar, while December averages slightly milder. The frost season typically runs from November through March, with January recording the highest number of frost days.

How Carlow’s climate compares to the rest of Ireland

Carlow has a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb in the Köppen classification), influenced by the Atlantic. Compared to coastal areas like Galway or Cork, Carlow experiences slightly colder winters and warmer summers because of its inland position. However, the difference is modest — average January highs across Ireland range from 7°C to 9°C, so Carlow sits near the national average.

The pattern: Carlow avoids both the extreme frost pockets of inland counties and the persistent wind chill of coastal spots.

Bottom line: Carlow follows the national pattern: January is the chilliest month, but the county avoids the extremes of inland frost pockets or coastal wind chill.

Timeline: What’s ahead for Carlow’s weather

From tomorrow’s showers to the winter outlook, here’s the sequence of events.

  • Tomorrow morning — Scattered showers, some heavy, mainly in the west and south.
  • Tomorrow afternoon — Persistent rain spreads across the region.
  • Tomorrow evening — Drier weather returns from the west.
  • Early 2026 — Cold and wintry conditions forecast by Met Éireann.
  • Winter 2025–2026Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a very cold winter for Ireland.
Bottom line: The short-term rain clears tomorrow evening, but winter 2026 carries a colder-than-normal signal that could bring snow to Carlow.

Confirmed facts & uncertainties

Confirmed facts

  • Tomorrow’s rain chance is 70% according to Met Éireann.
  • Tomorrow’s high temperature will be around 16°C (Met Éireann).
  • January is the coldest month in Carlow (Met Éireann climate data).

What’s unclear

  • Exactly how much snow Carlow will receive in winter 2026.
  • The precise timing of when rain will clear tomorrow afternoon.
  • Whether summer 2026 will be hotter than average.
What to watch

With low confidence in multi-week forecasts, Carlow residents should rely on morning radar updates rather than long-range predictions for daily planning.

Expert perspectives

“Tomorrow morning will be cloudy with scattered showers, some heavy.”

— Met Éireann forecaster, Carlow forecast

“AccuWeather meteorologists forecast a 49% chance of precipitation with possible thunderstorms over Carlow in the early hours.”

— AccuWeather meteorologist, Carlow hourly forecast

The contrast between national radar data and commercial forecasts highlights the challenge of pinning down exact timings for showers in Carlow’s microclimate.

Summary

Tomorrow in Carlow will be a two-act day: a wet, cool morning and a drier, brighter late afternoon. The 70% rain chance means most residents will need rain gear for the morning commute, but those who can delay outdoor plans until after 4 PM will see a reliable window of improvement. For Carlow businesses and event organisers, the choice is clear: schedule morning activities to be under cover, or shift them to the evening when the sun may break through.

Additional sources

carlowlive.ie, met.ie

Frequently asked questions

Will it rain in Carlow tomorrow afternoon?

Yes, rain is likely in the afternoon, though Met Éireann expects persistent rain to develop and then clear by evening. The probability remains above 50% until around 5 PM.

What time will the rain stop in Carlow tomorrow?

The rain should ease between 4 PM and 6 PM, with drier conditions and sunny spells arriving from the north. Exact timing varies by local showers.

Is tomorrow a good day for outdoor activities in Carlow?

Outdoor plans are better suited to late afternoon and evening. Morning and early afternoon will be wet and cool, with highs near 16°C.

How does tomorrow’s weather compare to the seasonal average?

Tomorrow’s 16°C is slightly below the May average for Carlow (about 17°C). The rain chance is typical for a spring day.

Where can I find the most reliable Carlow weather forecast?

Met Éireann’s official page for Carlow (met.ie) is the most authoritative. AccuWeather and Weather Underground offer additional hourly detail.

What is the UV index expected to be in Carlow tomorrow?

The UV index is expected to be low (1-2) due to extensive cloud cover. No special precautions needed.