Journey around the Sea Area Forecast with RTÉ meteorologist Joanna Donnelly 

The Sea Area Forecast is broadcast daily on RTÉ radio at 6 a.m. and midnight. Foretelling fair days or fierce storms coming in across our seas, it has become a national institution – its hypnotic, rhythmic language as reassuring as the Angelus. Acting as a gentle morning wake-up call and a soothing bedtime lullaby, it transports us to faraway places and describes weather patterns we can’t comprehend.

From Mizen Head to Malin, Valentia to Loop Head, and Carlingford Lough to Hook Head – rising or falling slowly, backing south-east to north-east or veering south-to-south-west – it has a unique language all of its own, but what does it all mean?

Joanna Donnelly is a meteorologist and weather forecaster at Met Éireann and RTÉ. She is passionate about explaining the science behind the weather in language that is accessible for everyone. She previously wrote The Great Irish Weather Book. Joanna is married to fellow meteorologist Harm Luijkx and they live in Portmarnock with their three children