South soaked as rainfall seven times above average

Parts of the south of Ireland have recorded rainfall totals almost seven times more than the seasonal average during the last week.

Met Éireann says the past week was wettest near the south and southeast coasts with 92.5mm recorded at Roches Point in Cork, which is 667% of the normal amount for the time of year.

Accumulations were lower further north, with rainfall amounts coming in twice the average in Donegal. 35.3mm was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal, which is more than double the seasonal average.

The past 24 hours have brought widespread rain across Ireland.

Valentia in County Kerry recorded 30mm in the 24-hour period up to 11.00 a.m. on Friday, with Mace Head in Galway and Roches Point both recording 21mm of rainfall.

Met Éireann says the past week has also been duller than normal across Ireland.

“It was dullest in parts of the west with just 12.2 hours of sunshine recorded at Shannon Airport (33% of average),” it said. “The highest amount of sunshine was recorded at Malin Head, Co. Donegal, where 30.8 hours were recorded (82% of average). Sunshine levels will likely trend above average for the coming week.”

Next week will be predominantly dry with temperatures gradually increasing into the low 20s by mid-week.

The warm temperatures may spark off some heavy showers later in the week.

A return to more seasonal temperatures of 14-16°C is favoured towards next weekend.