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 from 1pm this Friday 18 September.
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 and air and sea surface temperature.
Data transmitted hourly to Met Éireann and is 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,” Dr Westbrook said.
“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, IMDBON 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. Admission is free but booking is essential; email [email protected] to book, and call the museum at 091 532 460 for further details.
