Ireland basks in dry, sunny spell

Ireland has experienced a notably dry and warm spell over the past week, according to the latest figures from Met Éireann.

Rainfall totals at the country’s synoptic weather stations ranged from just 1 per cent to 62 per cent of normal. It was driest in the east where Dublin Airport recorded only 0.1mm. Western regions saw somewhat higher amounts, with 13.4mm reported in Claremorris, Co Mayo. The coming week is also expected to remain drier than average in most areas, although showers will occur at times.

Temperatures were well above the seasonal average. Mean air temperatures ranged from 16.5 to 19.3 degrees, which is between 1.5 and 3.5 degrees higher than normal. Soil temperatures also exceeded the norm, coming in between 17.0 and 19.7 degrees, which is 2.2 to 3.7 degrees above average. Forecasters expect it to stay warmer than average in the coming week, with mean air temperatures between 1 and 3 degrees above normal, although it will turn cooler towards the end of the period.

Sunshine totals were higher than usual nationwide. Levels ranged from 115 per cent to 175 per cent of the long-term average. It was brightest in the east, with Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin, recording 59.5 hours. Valentia, Co Kerry, was less sunny with 35.8 hours.

Read the long range forecast for Ireland here.