Kerry station tops charts as rain soars past average

Rainfall levels over the past week have been well above normal in much of the country, with Valentia in Co Kerry recording 240 per cent of the long-term average.

Met Éireann figures show between 17mm and 68mm of rain fell nationwide in the past seven days. Midlands stations were comparatively drier, logging between 10mm and 17mm, or 50 to 90 per cent of their averages. In contrast, most other regions were significantly wetter, with Valentia the standout.

The unsettled pattern is expected to continue. Forecasts suggest 40mm to 80mm of rain will fall widely in the coming week, with higher amounts in Atlantic coastal counties. That equates to between 220 and 460 per cent of average for mid-September.

Temperatures have been close to seasonal norms. Mean air readings last week ranged from 12.8 degrees at Knock to 14.6 degrees at Cork and Shannon airports. Soil temperatures were slightly higher than normal at between 13.9 and 16.1 degrees. The outlook points to air temperatures remaining near average, with soil values dipping slightly.

Sunshine totals have been mixed. The dullest conditions were at Knock, with 17.4 hours recorded, 69 per cent of normal. Cork Airport was brightest with 35.4 hours, 111 per cent of average. Sunshine is likely to run below normal in the week ahead, particularly in the west.