THE WEATHER STATION at Dublin Airport reported its coldest spring since 1951, while Casement Aerodrome had its coldest spring in 47 years, Met Éireann’s seasonal reports revealed today.
A majority of Ireland’s remaining stations reported their coldest spring in between 15 and 34 years, making it one of the chilliest on record.
All three months of the season reported below average temperatures, with March reporting the coldest conditions.
As we all remained in our winter coats and boots, the highest maximum temperature of 15.0°C at Valentia Observatory on 29 May, was its lowest spring maximum since 1940. Most other stations reported their lowest maxima in at least eight to 34 years.
Not only was it cold, but it was dull and windy too.
Sunshine totals were below average everywhere except Shannon Airport. Most areas of the country experienced their greyest spring in seven to 14 years. Cork was blessed with the sunniest day on 23 May though, enjoying 14.6 hours of sunshine.
Winds were higher than normal during the three months, with above average windspeeds recorded in most parts during March and April, and in parts of the south during May. Windspeeds were the highest in five to 27 years across the country, with the season’s highest gust of 65 knots (120 km/h) at Mace head on 15 April.
The only silver lining was in the rainfall totals, which were below average for the season in parts of the midlands, west and southeast. There were still some pretty wet days though – between 26 to 53 wet days to be exact.
Cork Airport’s station actually reported its wettest spring since 2005 and its wettest Spring day since 2003 on 21 March. More than 41mm of rain fell that day.
May: still cold
Met Éireann’s report on weather patterns in May also highlighted the cold we’ve been experiencing. Almost all stations across the country reported that it was the coldest May since 1996 (17 years).
Monthly mean maximum temperatures were well below average especially in the west and northwest, with most parts reporting their lowest values in 17 to 34 years.
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