Duller than average during past week

Much of the country remained duller than average last week, with sunshine totals ranging from just 55 per cent to full average levels, according to Met Éireann.

The northwest was the dullest region, with only 14.2 hours of sunshine logged at Knock Airport, Co Mayo. In contrast, the south-east fared considerably better, where Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, recorded 32.3 hours.

Despite brighter spells in the south-east, unsettled conditions elsewhere meant that most parts of the country struggled to reach normal sunshine levels. The trend is set to continue in the week ahead, with sunshine amounts expected to remain below average as frequent spells of rain and showers move across the country.

Rainfall has also been running above normal, with accumulations between 77 and 183 per cent of average, and Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry, recording 51.3mm. Temperatures, meanwhile, were close to seasonal norms, though mean air temperatures are forecast to dip to about one degree below normal in the coming days.