Marine Institute reveals the technology behind Ireland's storm forecasts
The Marine Institute will reveal how Ireland uses offshore buoys, ocean observation networks and real-time data to help forecast Atlantic storms at a free public event at Galway City Museum on Friday, 18 September 2026, from 1.00pm to 1.50pm.
How Do We Know a Storm is Coming? will take the public behind the scenes of the technology and ocean observation networks that help forecast extreme weather, monitor weather systems, and improve forecast accuracy.
Event participants will gain insight into the technologies that record atmospheric and ocean conditions in real time and learn how these observations are also used to analyse past storms, helping scientists test and improve forecasting models.
At the heart of the discussion will be the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network (IMDBON), managed by the Marine Institute. The network's five offshore buoys continuously collect real-time measurements of wave statistics, wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, air and sea surface temperature. The data are transmitted hourly to Met Éireann, and are then shared internationally through the Global Telecommunications System and used to support weather forecasting in Ireland and beyond.
Dr Guy Westbrook, Technician in Marine Research Infrastructures at the Marine Institute, will explain how Ireland's ocean observing technologies collect critical marine and weather data.
"Ireland has built a world-class ocean observing capability that delivers essential information every hour of every day,” said Dr Westbrook.
“I look forward to sharing how our research infrastructure helps us understand storms, such as Storm Éowyn, provides insights into changing ocean conditions, and supports evidence-based decision-making".
The value of these observations was demonstrated during Storm Éowyn in 2025, one of the most significant storms to affect Ireland in recent years. Throughout the storm, the IMDBON network captured uninterrupted oceanic and atmospheric measurements, providing critical information that supported weather forecasts and marine warnings as the storm rapidly intensified over the Atlantic and progressed over Ireland.
Beyond storm forecasting, Ireland's ocean observation systems play a crucial role in understanding climate change and its impacts. Alongside the buoy network, the Marine Institute operates a range of research infrastructures, including autonomous floats, ocean gliders, deep-sea moorings, tide gauges, wave buoys and ocean climate surveys. Together, these systems provide the long-term observations needed to improve ocean forecasting, monitor environmental change and contribute to international climate research programmes.
To coincide with the event, the Marine Institute will launch a new series of short video interviews featuring scientists who are combining ocean observations, numerical modelling and artificial intelligence to gain new insights into marine processes and improve forecasting capabilities. The series will provide an accessible look at the people, technology and innovation helping Ireland better understand and manage its ocean environment. Videos will be shared on the Marine Institute’s social media channels.
The public event is free and open to anyone interested in weather, storms, climate, technology or marine science.
Event Details
How Do We Know a Storm is Coming?
Date: 18 September 2026
Venue: Galway City Museum
Admission: Free, booking is essential. Please email Museum@GalwayCity.ie to book, and call the Museum on (091) 532460 for further details.
ENDS
For any media enquiries please contact:
Sinéad Coyne e: sinead.coyne@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 947 7090
Kathleen Sweeney e: kathleen.sweeney@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 094 5754
Communications Office, Marine Institute e: communications@marine.ie | t: +353 (0)91 387 20
About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie