Why Ireland Is Missing Out on Europe’s Heatwave
As much of Europe swelters under a searing heatwave, Ireland has remained relatively cool and unsettled — a stark contrast to the blistering conditions sweeping across the continent.
While temperatures in parts of Spain and Italy climb into the mid-40s Celsius, Ireland continues to experience cloudier skies, occasional rain, and cooler conditions.
So why is Ireland not basking in the heat? The answer lies in geography, ocean influence, and the current position of key weather systems.
Atlantic Air Keeps Ireland Cool
Ireland’s location on the edge of the North Atlantic means it is heavily influenced by maritime air masses, which tend to keep temperatures moderate and conditions changeable. The prevailing westerly winds carry moist, cool ocean air over the country, acting as a buffer against extreme heat.
While a powerful high-pressure system is parked over central and southern Europe — driving record-breaking temperatures — this system has not extended far enough west to include Ireland. Instead, Ireland remains under the influence of low-pressure systems and Atlantic weather fronts, bringing cloud cover and showers.
Jet Stream Steering Heat Elsewhere
The jet stream, a fast-moving band of air high in the atmosphere, is currently flowing in a pattern that diverts hot air from North Africa up into southern and central Europe. This is what’s allowing the heatwave to intensify across the continent.
Ireland, however, lies to the north and west of this pattern, keeping it cooler and more unsettled. In effect, the island is sitting on the ‘wrong side’ of the jet stream for hot summer weather.
Heatwave Intensifies Elsewhere
Meanwhile, southern Spain is experiencing some of the worst conditions. Seville and nearby areas recorded temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius over the weekend, prompting authorities to issue red heat warnings — the highest level of alert — in parts of Portugal, Italy, and Croatia
Numerous other countries, including France, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland, remain under amber warnings as daytime highs reach the high 30s and overnight temperatures remain uncomfortably warm.
