Dry Week for Most, Rain Returns to West

Much of Ireland experienced a drier than normal week, with national rainfall totals ranging from 0% to 63% of the seasonal average, according to Met Éireann.

The driest conditions were in the south, where no measurable rain was recorded at Roche’s Point in County Cork. The west saw the highest totals, with Valentia Observatory in County Kerry recording 14.3 millimetres.

The outlook for the coming week is for more mixed conditions, with rain or showers at times but also extended dry spells. Rainfall amounts will remain below average in most areas, though totals in the west and northwest are expected to reach or exceed seasonal norms.

Air temperatures last week were slightly above normal for the time of year. Mean temperatures ranged from 15.2 degrees at Knock Airport in County Mayo to 17.7 degrees at Roche’s Point, between 0.2 and 2.1 degrees higher than average. Soil temperatures were also above average, ranging from 16.1 degrees in the north to 20.4 degrees in the south, up to 4.2 degrees above normal. Temperatures will dip slightly over the coming week, with mean air values of 14 to 16 degrees, generally around or just above seasonal averages. Soil temperatures will continue to remain above normal.

The past week was notably dull, with sunshine amounts below average nationwide. The northwest was the least sunny region, with Knock Airport recording just 5.5 hours, only 19% of its seasonal norm. The south fared better, with Cork Airport seeing 25.2 hours of sunshine, or 68% of the average. Forecasts suggest brighter conditions in the coming week, with sunshine levels expected to return to near-normal values.