Island nations, such as Ireland, which experience rapidly changing weather systems, are particularly reliant on accurate weather forecasting and an effective weather warning system. Hydrometeorological services must provide necessary weather and preparedness information through these forecasts and warnings to enable communities and partners prepare for and respond to extreme weather events

This DCU research project examines current usage and future weather service needs in Ireland. The data were collected using a household preparedness questionnaire and focus groups with urban communities, rural dwellers, and marine users, farmers, students, and an island community. The questionnaire covered weather warnings and preparedness following a category red severe weather warning. The focus groups allowed the team to gather data on participants’ need for weather forecasts and warnings, current and future weather service requirements, and the effectiveness of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS). 

The analysis identifies the importance of accurate weather forecasts to the public and groups such as farmers as they plan their professional and private lives. Participants were aware of the weather warning system's color-coded structure, with the highest-level warnings considered most effective in capturing attention. Most participants spoke negatively about category yellow warnings, as they perceived them to be issued too frequently. Experience of warnings being issued and threats failing to materialize caused a minority of participants to ignore warnings and not take preparedness action.