July Weather Summary Ireland

Apart from a short spell of dry weather between the 7th and 9th, rain or showers were recorded on eachday during July, resulting in record high monthly totals at some stations. The weather pattern of theprevious two summers was repeated, with Atlantic depressions tracking over or close to Ireland,producing substantial falls of rain at times, with frequent thunderstorms. The north and northwest ofthe country fared relatively well, however; in these areas the lowest rainfall totals were recorded and bothmean temperatures and sunshine amounts were well above normal. Over twice the normal July rainfalltotals were recorded over most parts of the country, with more than three times the normal amount inparts of Leinster and Munster. It was the wettest July for over 50 years in many places and the wettest onrecord at a number of stations, including Valentia Observatory, where records began more than acentury ago. Dublin (Phoenix Park)’s total of 122mm was its highest for July since 1936, while JohnstownCastle’s total of 222mm represents 389% of its normal July fall. Most stations recorded between 19 and25 wetdays during the month (days with 1mm or more rainfall), twice the normal range for July ofbetween nine and 13. There was localised flooding in both eastern and western areas on the 2ndfollowing severe thunderstorms; Dublin Airport’s value of 42mm on this day was its highest on recordfor July. Temperatures showed little variation during the month and were near or a little above normalthroughout. Many stations recorded their highest values on either the 1st or 2nd, but at a number ofstations the temperature did not rise above 20°C on any day. Despite the very high rainfall totals,sunshine amounts were above normal generally, with many days having sunny mornings and earlyafternoons, before the development of showers. Sunshine totals were highest in the north and northwestof the country, where Belmullet’s total of 188 hours was its highest for July since 1982.