Wet week gives way to drier spell across Ireland

Parts of the northwest have recorded up to four inches of rainfall over the past week, nearly four times the seasonal average, according to Met Éireann.

Rainfall totals across the country were significantly above normal, with the highest levels observed in the west and midlands. Claremorris in County Mayo recorded 103.4mm, equivalent to 378 per cent of the seasonal norm.

The lowest total was at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin, which saw 23.1mm, or 138 per cent of the average.

Conditions are expected to shift in the coming days, with high pressure forecast to dominate. Rainfall is likely to fall well below normal, although the northwest is expected to remain the wettest region. South Leinster is set to be the driest, with minimal precipitation anticipated.

Mean air temperatures have remained above average nationwide, ranging from 12.6 degrees Celsius at Knock Airport to 14.4 degrees at Shannon Airport. For the week ahead, temperatures are expected to be close to seasonal norms, with the north slightly warmer at between 10 and 13 degrees, representing 1 to 2 degrees above average.

Soil temperatures are also above normal, ranging from 12.3 degrees at Knock to 14.2 degrees at Shannon, between 1.6 and 2.6 degrees higher than the seasonal average. No significant changes are expected in the coming week.

Sunshine levels have been close to or below average in many areas. Casement Aerodrome recorded the highest total with 21.8 hours, or 86 per cent of the norm. Valentia Observatory in County Kerry saw the lowest, with just seven hours, or 31 per cent of average. Sunshine levels for the week ahead are expected to remain near or below seasonal norms, with the best conditions forecast for the east and southeast.