Ireland Weather Stats 2024

 Believe it or not 2024 has been drier than normal. Apart from March and August all the other months have been drier than normal over the majority of Ireland. 

Some parts of the country have seen around 60 percent of the normal rain they would expect up to now. Of course the Northwest is closer to normal (but still below) however there are parts of the midlands and East of the country that are just over half and some areas in the West of Ireland are even significantly below normal.

Certainly cold weather is becoming rarer and even though it was a cold Summer it was just the coldest in 9 years since 2015. 2011 even was much colder and all the other Summers in the past 13 years apart from these 3 have seen temperatures well above average and sometimes record breakingly so. 

Snow days are on the decrease. There are now only about 1-3 each Winter and some parts of Ireland saw no snow at all last Winter. Will this Winter be a repeat? It remains to be seen. 

Storms are on a downward turn it would seem but when they do arrive they tend to be more extreme than before with a lot more thundery activity incorporated into them also. 

Weather Forecast for Ireland for the rest of 2024

 OCTOBER

Drier and milder than normal. Some rain mainly in the South. A bit breezier at the end of the month. Temperatures generally 14 to 17c

NOVEMBER 

Again a lot of dry if cloudy weather. Very little frost. Day highs of 11 to 14c commonplace. Rain at times but below average.

DECEMBER

Wet and windy especially in the South of Ireland. Storms possible too mainly Northwest and South. Very little in the way of cold weather though day here and there could bring wintry showers and 6c. 

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.