Shipping forecast for the North Irish Sea

Strong winds.

High pressure in Biscay, declining eastwards as a cold front moves in from the northwest of the British Isles.

West or southwest 3 or 4 increasing southwest 4 or 5 during this morning, veering northwest 5 or 6 later in the afternoon & early evening, perhaps occasionally 7 towards the North Channel. Veering north 4 or 5 by midnight, then variable 3 or less later.

Slight or moderate, falling mostly slight later in the night.

Fair, then rain arriving from the northwest this afternoon, becoming fair again this evening.

Good, falling moderate in the rain.

Variable 3 or less, settling south or southwest 4 or 5 during the afternoon, increasing 5 or 6 during the evening, then 6 or 7 later.

Slight, building mostly moderate later on Thursday, then moderate or rough later.

Fair, then rain arriving from the west Thursday evening.

Good, falling moderate or poor in rain later.