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The Journal
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Journal
This spring was the warmest in Ireland since modern records began
Met Éireann Met Éireann SPRING 2025 WAS the warmest spring Ireland has ever experienced in the 126 years of weather records held by Met Éireann. Of the top five average temperatures for spring (which covers March, April and May) in those 126 years, four have occurred since 2017 – signalling a pattern of rising seasonal temperatures in line with climate change. This year's spring was the first one that was more than two degrees Celsius hotter on average than the average spring temperature of the 20th century. Met Éireann's new seasonal climate statement says it was also the sunniest spring on record. Advertisement Most weather stations around the country recorded their highest values for total hours of sunshine in spring. It was a relatively dry spring, provisionally ranking as the 16th driest since the start of the relevant records in 1941 and the driest since 2020. Shifting weather patterns around the world and successive record-breaking conditions are evidence of climate change, which is being caused by human activities leading to excessive greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat inside the atmosphere. Many people will have enjoyed the unusually warm conditions this early in the year – but it's also a concerning signal of the climate change the world faces, which is on track to escalate in coming years if countries fail to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The unusual conditions during this spring caused a marine heatwave in Irish waters and drought conditions in numerous parts of the country. The marine heatwave develop off the west coast in April and May. Sea surface temperatures reached over two degrees warmer than average in some coastal areas and up to four degrees warmer than average in offshore areas. Related Reads Storm warning: Extreme wind is now 'priority' climate risk for Ireland Ireland's excessive emissions mean climate goals 'are increasingly out of reach' UN says 70% chance average global warming will exceed 1.5C benchmark in next five years These kinds of marine heatwaves can have major ecological impacts, according to Met Éireann, including coral bleaching, shifts in marine species, harmful algal blooms and disruptions to food chains. On land, there were numerous instances of what Met Éireann terms 'climatological dry periods' during spring 2025. These are classified as dry spells (a period of 15 or more consecutive days with no days having 1mm or more of precipitation', an absolute drought (a period of 15 or more consecutive days with no days having 0.2 mm or more of precipitation), or a partial drought (a period of at least 29 consecutive days, the mean daily rainfall of which does not exceed 0.2 mm). The areas around 11 of Ireland's weather stations had absolute droughts during spring 2025. Three had partial droughts and 22 had dry spells. Eight had two dry periods at different times during the season. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
10-05-2025
- Climate
- The Journal
Temperatures to reach up to 21 degrees today before rain returns to parts of country from tomorrow
TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED to reach as high as 21 degrees Celsius today before the weather takes a wetter turn in some parts of the country from tomorrow with outbreaks of rain, according to Met Éireann. The national forecaster says that today's weather will be 'very mild' with highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees in mostly light southerly or variable breezes. There could be some isolated light showers affecting west and northwest counties. Tonight will be dry under broken cloud for most areas tonight, with some isolated light showers potentially affecting northwest areas early on. Some areas of mist and shallow fog are expected to develop too. Temperatures will dip to lows of 3 to 7 degrees. Advertisement The forecast at a glance for Saturday afternoon Met Éireann Met Éireann Tomorrow is expected to start off mostly dry with a mix of cloud and hazy sunny spells. However, cloudy conditions with patchy rain and drizzle will affect parts of west Connacht and west Ulster. It'll become mostly cloudy as the day goes on, Met Éireann says, with outbreaks of rain spreading from the southeast. Highest temperatures tomorrow will be around 15 to 20 degrees but a little cooler near Atlantic coasts. On Monday, there's expected to be a mix of cloud and sunny spells with showers merging to longer spells of rain at times. Some heavy or thundery falls are possible on Monday, followed by a mix of sunny spells and rain showers with isolated thunderstorms on Tuesday. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
