Wet week across Ireland as rainfall totals soar above average

Met Éireann reports that Ireland has seen wetter-than-average conditions over the past week, with rainfall ranging from 95% to 273% of normal.

The heaviest rain fell in the west and southwest, with 62.8mm recorded at Valentia Observatory in Co. Kerry. The driest spot was in the south at Roche’s Point, Co. Cork, where 18.6mm fell.

The week ahead is set to remain unsettled, with spells of rain and showers expected most days. Rainfall is likely to continue above average, particularly in the west and southwest.

Temperatures have been close to seasonal averages, according to Met Éireann, with Roches Point in Co. Cork seeing a mean air temperature of 15.1 degrees, slightly above normal, while the coolest conditions were at Knock Airport, Co. Mayo, with 12.9 degrees. Soil temperatures remain above average by 1 to 2 degrees and are not expected to change significantly over the coming week.

Sunshine totals varied widely last week. The north and northwest saw the least sun, with Knock Airport recording just 12.4 hours, while the south and east enjoyed brighter conditions, including 41 hours at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.

Over the next week, cloudier conditions are expected, with sunshine likely below average in the west and around or below normal elsewhere.