Belmullet basks in sunshine as Ireland enjoys exceptionally dry week

Belmullet in County Mayo has topped the charts as Ireland’s sunniest spot over the past week.

According to figures from Met Éireann, the northwest station recorded an impressive 82.4 hours of sunshine—nearly twice the seasonal average.

While mean air temperatures in the east were close to the norm—within a degree of average—conditions were notably warmer in the west, with temperatures running 1 to 2 degrees above average.

Met Éireann reported that mean air temperatures ranged from 9.7°C in the east to 13.1°C in the west. Meanwhile, soil temperatures were significantly higher than usual, currently sitting between 12.8°C and 16.2°C—up to 6 degrees above average.

The past week has also been exceptionally dry across the country. Most areas received less than 5mm of rainfall, and some saw no precipitation at all.

Slightly higher amounts were recorded in the north and northwest, with Malin Head in Donegal experiencing the highest total: 13.6mm, or 85% of the typical rainfall for this time of year. Most of that rain fell on Monday.

Looking ahead, sunshine levels are expected to remain well above normal, potentially more than double the average for mid-May. Western regions may even challenge the year’s highest temperature so far—25.9°C, recorded in Athenry, Galway, last month.

Daytime highs are forecast to reach around 19°C in the east and could rise to 24°C or higher in the west. Nights will stay mild, with no risk of frost.

The settled weather is being driven by a persistent high-pressure system over or near Ireland, which has brought an unusually dry start to May. This high-pressure pattern is expected to hold until at least mid-next week.

However, by the end of the forecast period, models suggest it may begin to weaken, allowing Atlantic systems to move in. If that happens, some rain is likely in the second half of next week, accompanied by a dip in temperatures to the mid to high teens.