Carlow goes full week without rain

Ireland has experienced a drier-than-average week, with recorded rainfall ranging from 0% to 32% of the normal amount.

Oak Park, Co. Carlow, saw no rainfall at all, according to Met Éireann, while Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, recorded the highest total at 8.5mm, equivalent to just 32% of the average. While some showers are expected today, particularly in southern counties, rainfall is forecast to remain below average over the coming days. Conditions are expected to become more unsettled from Sunday.

Temperatures over the past seven days were above average nationwide. Malin Head, Co. Donegal, recorded the lowest mean air temperature at 16.6 degrees, 1.6 degrees above the seasonal average, while Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, recorded the highest at 19.1 degrees, 2.9 degrees above normal. Air temperatures are expected to dip slightly in the coming week but will remain around average or just above.

Sunshine levels were largely above average, though the southwest saw less sun than usual. Malin Head recorded 70 hours of sunshine, 229% of the average, while Valentia Observatory saw just 27.6 hours, 89% of normal. More sunny spells are expected over the next few days, but sunshine may be reduced as unsettled conditions develop from Sunday.