Below Average Rain Amounts in South and East

The past week brought less rain than usual to most of the country, except along parts of the west and north where totals were near or slightly above average.

Most Met Éireann weather stations recorded between 30 and 70 percent of their normal weekly rainfall. Dublin Airport was the driest location, with just 4.2mm, equal to 28 percent of its average. Malin Head in Co Donegal topped the rainfall chart with 25.9mm, or 122 percent of normal.

The week ahead will bring a mix of weather, with rain and drizzle at times over the weekend and the possibility of slow-moving heavy showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be dry intervals, particularly in the south, and overall rainfall is expected to be near or below average.

Temperatures Staying Above Normal

Average air temperatures last week were close to seasonal norms, ranging from 14.3 degrees at Knock in Co Mayo to 16.5 degrees at Roches Point in Co Cork. That is between 0.1 degrees below average and 1 degree above. Soil temperatures remained higher than usual, between 15.8 degrees in the north and 18.8 degrees in the south, which is up to 2.9 degrees above average.

The coming week will be milder than normal, with mean air temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees, or 1 to 3 degrees above average. Soil temperatures will also stay above normal levels.

More Sunshine in the East and South

Sunshine totals varied sharply across the country last week. Parts of Connacht were dullest, with just 17.4 hours recorded at Knock, equal to 61 percent of the average. Many other areas saw near-average sunshine, while the east and southeast enjoyed brighter conditions. Casement Aerodrome in Co Dublin was the sunniest station with 44.2 hours, or 130 percent of its average.