Above-Average Sunshine Set to Continue

Ireland has experienced a notably dry week, with rainfall well below seasonal norms across the country, according to Met Éireann.

Rainfall totals were between 3 and 59 per cent of the usual levels. The driest conditions were in the east, where Casement Aerodrome in Co Dublin recorded just 0.4mm. Western coastal areas saw slightly higher amounts, with Valentia in Co Kerry recording 13.8mm.

The coming week is expected to remain drier than average, although showers will occur at times. Some may be heavy or thundery and could bring the risk of localised high accumulations.

Temperatures over the past week were also higher than normal, with mean air values between 16.1 and 17.8 degrees. These readings were between 0.8 and 1.9 degrees above average. Mean soil temperatures ranged from 16.2 to 18.6 degrees, which is between 1.4 and 3 degrees above the seasonal norm. Both air and soil temperatures are forecast to stay well above average, with air readings likely to be two to three degrees higher than normal.

Sunshine was close to or slightly above average nationwide, ranging from 95 to 149 per cent of the norm. The brightest conditions were in the east, where Casement Aerodrome recorded 50.8 hours of sunshine. Valentia saw the least sunshine, with 29.4 hours. Above-average sunshine is expected in most areas this week, with occasional cloudier spells.