Warmest September on Record to hit Ireland

 This September is shaping up to be the warmest on record for Ireland. According to Met Eireann 2021 is the warmest September Ireland has ever had with an average temperature of 14.8c nationwide. However this month is already over 16c after 4 days and with another week of temperatures in the 20s and night time temperatures in the mid teens it will be over 17c by this time next week. 

With a value of around 16.5c midmonth it would take 2 weeks of cool weather for the IMT to go below 15c. This is unlikely as High Pressure remains stationed near to Ireland for the entirety of the month with just brief interruptions.

Not only will Ireland have its warmest September on record but so will Britain though 1906 has set a high bar there. Also it is likely France will also break records for heat in September.

Temperatures reached 27.5c in Valentia on September 4th. 

2023 June Heatwave

 The 2023 June heatwave starts tomorrow but how long is it going to last? The High isn't moving at all so plenty more days like today when 24c was reached widely. 

The weather stays dry until about day 10 of June when some rain cannot be ruled out but is this a breakdown or just a blip. It's likely to be just a blip as High Pressure remains close and builds stronger as we move into a historic hot June aka 1976. 

How has the weather in Ireland changed in recent years?

 

1. Increased rainfall: Ireland is known for its wet climate, with rainfall occurring throughout the year. In recent years, there have been reports of higher levels of precipitation and more frequent rainfall events. This increase in rainfall can lead to localized flooding, particularly in areas with inadequate drainage systems or in regions prone to river overflow.

2. Mild winters: Compared to other countries at similar latitudes, Ireland experiences relatively mild winters. While temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during the night, extended periods of severe cold are less common. Snowfall is more likely in elevated areas, such as the mountains of the west and northwest, where snow can accumulate and last for several days.

3. Storm events: Ireland is susceptible to storms, and there have been instances of particularly severe storm events in recent years. Storms like Storm Ophelia (2017) and Storm Emma (2018) caused significant disruption with high winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. These storms can result in damage to infrastructure, power outages, and travel disruptions.

4. Heatwaves and warmer summers: While Ireland is not typically associated with hot climates, there have been instances of heatwaves and warmer summers in recent years. These periods of unusually high temperatures can lead to drought conditions, impact agriculture and water resources, and put strain on energy consumption for cooling purposes. However, it's important to note that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Ireland are generally lower compared to countries with more continental climates.

Overall, it's crucial to remember that weather patterns can vary from year to year, and the impacts of climate change are multifaceted. The trends mentioned above provide a general overview of some observed changes in weather patterns in Ireland, but for a more comprehensive understanding, consulting official climate reports and local weather agencies would provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on how the weather has changed in recent years.

How to predict the weather

 Predicting the weather is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge, tools, and data analysis. While professional meteorologists use sophisticated models and observations to make accurate forecasts, here are some basic factors and methods you can consider for personal weather prediction:

1. Weather Patterns and Trends: By observing patterns and trends in your local area, you can make educated guesses about the weather. For example, certain seasons may be associated with specific weather conditions, such as hot and dry summers or cold and snowy winters.

2. Clouds and Sky: Cloud formations can provide clues about impending weather changes. High, wispy cirrus clouds often indicate the approach of a warm front, while towering cumulonimbus clouds can suggest the possibility of thunderstorms. Familiarize yourself with different cloud types and their associated weather patterns.

3. Barometric Pressure: Changes in barometric pressure can indicate approaching weather systems. Falling barometric pressure often signifies the approach of a low-pressure system and the potential for stormy weather, while rising pressure can indicate fairer conditions.

4. Wind Direction: Monitoring wind direction can offer insights into weather changes. For example, a shift in wind direction from the south or southeast can indicate the arrival of warm air, while a shift from the north or northwest may bring colder conditions.

5. Observation of Animals and Nature: Animals and natural phenomena can sometimes provide hints about upcoming weather changes. For instance, birds flying low to the ground or insects seeking shelter might indicate an approaching storm. Pay attention to animal behavior and natural indicators such as changes in plant growth or the behavior of certain creatures.

6. Weather Instruments: Having basic weather instruments can assist in tracking conditions. A thermometer measures temperature, a barometer records atmospheric pressure, and a hygrometer measures humidity. By regularly monitoring these variables, you can identify trends and make rough predictions.

7. Weather Apps and Websites: Utilize weather apps or websites that provide reliable and up-to-date forecasts based on professional meteorological models and data. These platforms often incorporate satellite imagery, radar, and weather station reports to provide accurate predictions for your specific location.

Remember that personal weather prediction methods may not be as precise or comprehensive as those employed by professional meteorologists. For detailed and reliable forecasts, it's best to rely on official weather services or local meteorological sources.

Thunderstorms in Ireland

 To mark the thunderstorm activity that hit Dublin on May 8th here are 5 notable thundery spells that have hit Ireland in the past. 

Here are five notable thunderstorms in Ireland's history:

1. The "Night of the Big Wind" - On the night of January 6th, 1839, a severe storm swept across Ireland, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The storm was characterized by extremely high winds, lightning, and thunder.

2. The Dublin thunderstorm of 1902 - On July 21st, 1902, a thunderstorm struck Dublin, causing widespread damage and flooding. The storm dumped around 75 mm (3 inches) of rain in just a few hours.

3. The 1974 Dublin thunderstorm - On August 7th, 1974, a severe thunderstorm hit Dublin, causing extensive flooding in the city center. The storm was characterized by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.

4. The 2014 August thunderstorm - On August 24th, 2014, a severe thunderstorm struck Ireland, causing widespread power outages and damage to buildings. The storm was characterized by intense lightning strikes, heavy rain, and strong winds.

5. The 2017 Limerick thunderstorm - On August 22nd, 2017, a severe thunderstorm struck Limerick, causing flash flooding in parts of the city. The storm was characterized by heavy rain and thunder.

It's worth noting that there have been many other notable thunderstorms in Ireland's history, and the frequency and severity of thunderstorms can vary widely depending on the season and weather patterns.

20 Interesting May Weather Facts for Ireland

 Here are 20 interesting weather stats on past Mays in Ireland based on historical data:

1. The warmest May on record in Ireland was in 1992, with an average temperature of 14.5°C (58°F).

2. The coldest May on record in Ireland was in 1979, with an average temperature of 8.7°C (48°F).

3. In 2018, Ireland experienced its sunniest May on record, with an average of 308.5 hours of sunshine.

4. The wettest May on record in Ireland was in 1947, with an average rainfall of 188.7mm.

5. The driest May on record in Ireland was in 1976, with an average rainfall of only 16.4mm.

6. In 2021, some parts of Ireland experienced their hottest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 27.8°C (82°F).

7. In 2004, Ireland experienced a particularly cold May, with temperatures reaching as low as -4.2°C (24°F) in some parts of the country.

8. The average temperature in May in Ireland has increased by 0.7°C (1.3°F) since 1981.

9. In May 2015, Ireland experienced its coldest spring in 60 years, with an average temperature of only 6.5°C (44°F).

10. In 2012, Ireland experienced an unusually wet May, with some areas receiving double their normal monthly rainfall.

11. In May 2017, Ireland experienced a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 26°C (79°F) in some parts of the country.

12. The highest recorded May temperature in Ireland was 30.8°C (87.4°F), which occurred in 2018.

13. The lowest recorded May temperature in Ireland was -4.4°C (24°F), which occurred in 1979.

14. In May 2019, Ireland experienced its driest spring on record, with only 36% of the normal rainfall for the season.

15. In 2005, Ireland experienced its wettest May in 150 years, with some areas receiving up to 300% of their normal monthly rainfall.

16. In May 2014, Ireland experienced a particularly mild month, with temperatures averaging around 13.5°C (56°F).

17. May 2020 was a particularly sunny month in Ireland, with some areas experiencing over 250 hours of sunshine.

18. In 1995, Ireland experienced a particularly cold May, with temperatures averaging around 8.3°C (47°F).

19. In May 2011, Ireland experienced a particularly dry month, with some areas receiving less than 50% of their normal monthly rainfall.

20. The average number of rainy days in May in Ireland is around 19-22, depending on the location.