Dry Spell Set to End as Rain Returns Next Week

Ireland enjoyed a mostly dry week, with rainfall well below average across much of the country—except for the northwest, where totals nudged above normal.

Leinster, Munster, and Ulster saw just 0 to 8mm of rain (as little as 5% of the norm), while western and northern areas received 15 to 22mm, slightly closer to average. Northwestern coasts were the wettest, with up to 125% of normal rainfall.

That dry streak is set to continue until Sunday evening, after which a more unsettled pattern will bring widespread rain. Totals of 25 to 50mm are forecast through early next week, heaviest in the west and driest in the east, according to Met Éireann.

Temperatures Climb Above Normal

Mean air temperatures were above average last week, ranging from 14.6°C at Malin Head to 17.4°C in Oak Park, Carlow. Soil temperatures were also higher than usual—between 15.1°C and 19.6°C across the country. The trend will continue, with air temperatures expected to stay 1 to 3 degrees above normal over the coming days.

Mixed Sunshine Picture

Sunshine varied widely. Belmullet recorded just 10 hours—only 31% of the norm—while Roches Point basked in 62 hours, 159% above average. Most areas will enjoy above-normal sunshine through the weekend, except parts of the west and northwest. From Monday, cloudier conditions are expected to take hold nationwide.