Donegal outshines the rest during past week

Malin Head, Co Donegal enjoyed more than double its usual sunshine last week, according to Met Éireann.

The station recorded 67.9 hours, 222 per cent of the average, the highest level nationwide. At the other end of the scale, Cork Airport reported just 19.1 hours, 53 per cent of average.

Met Éireann said the past week was much drier than normal, with rainfall totals between 0 and 32 per cent of average.

No rain was recorded at Oak Park, Co Carlow or at Dublin Airport, while Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry logged the highest weekly total at 8.4mm. Conditions are expected to remain relatively dry in the coming days before turning more unsettled early next week.

Temperatures were also above average, with mean air values between 1.2 and 3.6 degrees higher than normal. Valentia reported the highest mean at 18.7 degrees, while Malin Head had the lowest at 16.2 degrees. Above average temperatures are expected to continue into next week.