Wind and rain batter Ploughing Day 1 weather - advice to attendees amid warnings

Heavy rain and strong winds arrived at the National Ploughing Championship site and the entire country overnight with attendees being told to wrap up for the weather.

Thousands of people from across the country are on the road to Laois this morning for the huge event with Garda traffic management systems in place around the venue and in surrounding counties to control congestion. Some delays can be expected on busy route.

Last night brought strong winds but vendors posting on social media suggest it's wet and muddy but all systems go. RTE Radio One's Morning Ireland was broadcast live from the site on Tuesday morning.

Bright and early at Day 1 of the @NPAIE National Ploughing Championships this morning. Make sure to bring the wellies and the rain gear, it's a wet and blustery one! pic.twitter.com/UFD3hJkeiH

— Caroline Hofman (@CearuilinH) September 19, 2023

Good morning from rainy Ratheniska, where last minute preparations are underway for this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Be safe when travelling from whatever corner of the country you’re coming from this week, and be sure to dress appropriately for the conditions ☔️ pic.twitter.com/bhhJScTaSZ

— Kathleen O'Sullivan (@Kathleen_OSull) September 19, 2023

Pictures from the Ploughing site show very muddy conditions with people already on the ground advising others to bring the wellies and rain gear. 

While Status Yellow weather warnings from Met Éireann only cover western counties with Laois and the Midlands escaping, people can still expect blustery conditions. 

In their forecast, Met Éireann says: "Today will be wet and breezy or windy, with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds extending to all areas, becoming very strong in western coastal areas this evening.

"Generally dull with rain and drizzle, turning heavy at times, and patches of mist. There will be occasional drier and brighter periods in the afternoon, the best of these in the south. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees.

"It will be wet and breezy or windy tonight with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds, very strong in the west, south and southeast. Rain will persist in most areas through the night and will be heavy at times, with thunder possible too. This may cause localised flooding. The rain will clear to scattered showers in the west towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees."

The wet weather could relent for a time on Wednesday with Met Éireann adding: "Rain will clear from the east on Wednesday morning and for the rest of the day there will be sunny spells and widespread showers, some heavy with a chance of isolated thunder.

"It will be breezy or windy during the morning, with very strong southwest to west winds in the northwest. Winds will gradually ease through the day, becoming light to moderate by evening. Highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees, mildest in the southeast."

Crowds waiting for access to #Ploughing2023 at Ratheniska @farmersjournal pic.twitter.com/HKtgCo50fE

— IFJCaitriona (@IFJCaitriona) September 19, 2023