Dry Days Dominate but Rain Returns to West

Ireland has experienced a notably dry week, with most parts of the country recording well below average rainfall, according to the latest figures from Met Éireann.

Rainfall totals over the past seven days ranged from 0% to 63% of normal values, with the south of the country seeing the driest conditions. Notably, no measurable rain fell at Roche’s Point in Co. Cork. In contrast, the west remained comparatively wetter, with Valentia in Co. Kerry recording 14.3mm of rainfall.

Looking ahead, the coming week will bring a more mixed picture, with rain or showers at times interspersed with long dry spells. Rainfall totals are expected to remain below average across most of the country but could reach or exceed normal levels in the west and northwest.

Air temperatures were slightly warmer than usual for the time of year, ranging from 15.2°C at Knock Airport in Co. Mayo to 17.7°C at Roche’s Point. These readings were between 0.2°C and 2.1°C above the seasonal norm. Soil temperatures were also elevated, with values between 16.1°C in the north and 20.4°C in the south — up to 4.2°C above average.

A slight dip in air temperatures is forecast for the coming days, with daytime means of 14°C to 16°C expected, which is close to or slightly above average. Soil temperatures, however, are expected to remain well above normal for the time of year.

Despite the recent warmth, sunshine levels were lower than usual across the country. The dullest conditions were reported in the northwest, where Knock Airport recorded just 5.5 hours of sunshine, equating to 19% of the average. Cork Airport fared better with 25.2 hours (68% of average). Conditions are set to improve somewhat this week, with more frequent sunny spells and sunshine amounts returning closer to average.