Dull Week Nationwide as Cloud Dominates Irish Skies

Ireland has experienced a notably dull week, with sunshine levels well below seasonal averages across the country, according to the latest data from Met Éireann.

Satellite imagery from NASA and the EU’s Copernicus programme further confirms widespread cloud cover over the island, in stark contrast to the clearer skies enjoyed by parts of southern England.

Over the past seven days, Knock Airport in Co. Mayo recorded just 6.4 hours of sunshine — a mere 22% of the normal amount for this time of year — making it the dullest location nationwide. The midlands also saw similarly low sunshine levels. Conditions were only marginally better in the south, where Cork Airport registered 25.6 hours of sunshine, still well below the average at just 68%.

A NASA satellite image captured shortly before midday on Friday shows Ireland almost entirely under cloud cover, while much of southern and eastern Britain basked in clear blue skies.

A zoomed-in image from the Copernicus Sentinel satellite further revealed largely overcast skies around Waterford City, with low cloud and mist visible just offshore along the south coast.

Rest of the Week
A mix of scattered showers and sunny spells each day. Temperatures will remain near or slightly above normal, with highs in the low 20s in the south and southeast, and cooler conditions in the northwest. Rainfall will be below normal in most areas, and while it will often be cloudy, sunshine amounts are expected to be close to average. Winds moderate, from the west or northwest.