On This Day (18 August) in Irish Weather History

A timeline of notable weather events and extremes that have taken place in Ireland on August 18th throughout history.

2001 – A tornado, estimated to reach 300 feet in height, causes minor damage in north County Dublin. A jeep is overturned on Dollymount Strand.

2008 – Major flooding affects many parts of the country. In Carlow town, flood waters rise to almost two metres after the River Barrow bursts its banks. Eircom reports 6,500 faults. The worst affected areas include Clontarf, Blanchardstown, Phibsboro, Portmarnock, Leixlip and Clane.

2009 – Extensive lightning storms develop across Ireland.

2014: The Irish Times launches a daily weather forecast delivered on video each morning. The initiative doesn’t last long.

2016 – The first in a series of Atlantic depressions crosses the country, bringing widespread rain and strong winds, with gales reported on many southern coasts.

2018 – The remnants of post-tropical cyclone Ernesto bring strong winds to the west and north. On the same day, Oak Park in Carlow records the month’s highest temperature of 26.6 °C.

2023 – Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry, records 74.0 mm of rain, its wettest August day since 1986. As Storm Betty sweeps the country, Cork Airport logs 63 mm, while Roches Point reports 59.6 mm—its highest single August day on record. The storm also brings thunderstorms, flash flooding and above-average temperatures in most regions.