Ireland experienced its coolest summer in almost ten years, according to the latest seasonal weather assessment from Met Éireann. Despite the chilly temperatures, the country saw less rainfall compared to the previous year.
The national average temperature for summer 2024 was 14.5°C, slightly below the long-term average. Met Éireann attributes this cooler weather to arctic blasts in early June and a jet stream pattern that kept warmer air masses at bay.
While temperatures were down, the summer wasn’t a complete washout. Dublin Airport recorded its driest summer since 2018, with just 104.7mm of rainfall. However, some areas saw significantly more precipitation, with Newport, Co Mayo, receiving a whopping 419mm.
Sunshine was a bright spot this season, with most areas enjoying above-average sunny days. Casement Aerodrome in Dublin basked in the most sunshine, clocking up an impressive 514.1 hours over the summer months.
Despite the cooler temperatures, climate experts caution against dismissing global warming. They emphasize that Ireland’s long-term temperature averages continue to rise, and this summer’s coolness doesn’t negate the overall warming trend.
According to The Journal, this cooler summer serves as a reminder that climate change doesn’t just mean hotter temperatures – it can also lead to more unpredictable and extreme weather patterns. As Ireland continues to feel the effects of climate change, summers like 2024 may become increasingly rare.