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{{Mergefrom|Climate of Northern Ireland|discuss=Talk:Climate of Northern Ireland|date=February 2009}}
{{Merge from|Climate of Northern Ireland|discuss=Talk:Climate of Northern Ireland|date=February 2009}}
[[Image:Wetterkarte mit Okklusion.png|right|thumb|250px|A typical North Atlantic [[low-pressure area]] moving across Ireland.]]
[[Image:Wetterkarte mit Okklusion.png|right|thumb|250px|A typical North Atlantic [[low-pressure area]] moving across Ireland.]]
The '''climate of [[Ireland]]''' can be summed up as being mild, moist and changeable with abundant [[rainfall]] and a lack of [[temperature extreme]]s. It is defined as a [[temperate]] [[oceanic climate]], or ''Cfb'' on the [[Köppen climate classification]] system. The country receives generally warm summers and mild winters, and is considerably warmer than other areas on its [[latitude]]. This is due to the fact it lies in the [[Atlantic Ocean]], and as a result is warmed by the [[Gulf Stream]] all year. [[Met Éireann]] is the Irish national meteorological service.
The '''climate of [[Ireland]]''' can be summed up as being mild, moist and changeable with abundant [[rainfall]] and a lack of [[temperature extreme]]s. It is defined as a [[temperate]] [[oceanic climate]], or ''Cfb'' on the [[Köppen climate classification]] system. The country receives generally warm summers and mild winters, and is considerably warmer than other areas on its [[latitude]]. This is due to the fact it lies in the [[Atlantic Ocean]], and as a result is warmed by the [[Gulf Stream]] all year. [[Met Éireann]] is the Irish national meteorological service.
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The warmest areas are found along the south-west coast. [[Valentia Island]], [[County Kerry]] has the highest annual mean temperature, at {{convert|10.4|°C|°F|lk=on}}.<ref name="met.ie">[http://www.met.ie/climate/valentia.asp Met Éireann - Valentia Observatory (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The warmest areas are found along the south-west coast. [[Valentia Island]], [[County Kerry]] has the highest annual mean temperature, at {{convert|10.4|°C|°F|lk=on}}.<ref name="met.ie">[http://www.met.ie/climate/valentia.asp Met Éireann - Valentia Observatory (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


The coldest areas are found inland. [[Clones]], [[County Monaghan]] and [[Mullingar]], [[County Westmeath]] both have the lowest annual mean temperature, at {{convert|8.8|°C|°F}}.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/clones.asp Met Éireann - Clones (30 Year Averages)]</ref><ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/mullingar.asp Met Éireann - Mullingar (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The coldest areas are found inland. [[Clones]], [[County Monaghan]] and [[Mullingar]], [[County Westmeath]] both have the lowest annual mean temperature, at {{convert|8.8|°C|°F}}.<ref name="ReferenceA">[http://www.met.ie/climate/clones.asp Met Éireann - Clones (30 Year Averages)]</ref><ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/mullingar.asp Met Éireann - Mullingar (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was {{convert|33.3|°C|°F}} at [[Kilkenny Castle]], [[County Kilkenny]] on 26 June 1887. The lowest temperature was {{convert|-19.1|°C|°F|1}} at [[Markree Castle]], [[County Sligo]] on 16 January 1881.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/temperature.asp Met Éireann - Temperature]</ref>
The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was {{convert|33.3|°C|°F}} at [[Kilkenny Castle]], [[County Kilkenny]] on 26 June 1887. The lowest temperature was {{convert|-19.1|°C|°F|1}} at [[Markree Castle]], [[County Sligo]] on 16 January 1881.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/temperature.asp Met Éireann - Temperature]</ref>
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The sunniest part of the island is the south-east coast. [[Rosslare]], [[County Wexford]] is the sunniest area, and receives on average 4.33 hours of sunshine per day (1,580.45 hours per year).<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/rosslare.asp Met Éireann - Rosslare (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The sunniest part of the island is the south-east coast. [[Rosslare]], [[County Wexford]] is the sunniest area, and receives on average 4.33 hours of sunshine per day (1,580.45 hours per year).<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/rosslare.asp Met Éireann - Rosslare (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


The dullest, i.e., least sunny, part of the island is in the northern half of the country. [[Clones]], [[County Monaghan]] is the dullest area, receiving on average 3.19 hours of sunshine per day (1,164.35 hours per year).<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/clones.asp Met Éireann - Clones (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The dullest, i.e., least sunny, part of the island is in the northern half of the country. [[Clones]], [[County Monaghan]] is the dullest area, receiving on average 3.19 hours of sunshine per day (1,164.35 hours per year).<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


==Precipitation==
==Precipitation==
Rainfall is, by far, the most common form of precipitation on the island.{{Cn}}
Rainfall is, by far, the most common form of precipitation on the island.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}


===Rainfall===
===Rainfall===
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The driest weather station is [[Casement Aerodrome]], [[County Dublin]], which receives {{convert|711.4|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} of rain per year, on average.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/casement.asp Met Éireann - Casement Aerodrome (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The driest weather station is [[Casement Aerodrome]], [[County Dublin]], which receives {{convert|711.4|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} of rain per year, on average.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/casement.asp Met Éireann - Casement Aerodrome (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


The weather station with the highest number of "wet days" is [[Belmullet]], [[County Mayo]] with 193 days per year<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/belmullet.asp Met Éireann - Belmullet (30 Year Averages)]</ref>, while the station with the lowest number of "wet days" is [[Dublin Airport]], County Dublin with 128 days per year<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/dublinairport.asp Met Éireann - Dublin Airport (30 Year Averages)]</ref>.
The weather station with the highest number of "wet days" is [[Belmullet]], [[County Mayo]] with 193 days per year,<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/belmullet.asp Met Éireann - Belmullet (30 Year Averages)]</ref> while the station with the lowest number of "wet days" is [[Dublin Airport]], County Dublin with 128 days per year.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/dublinairport.asp Met Éireann - Dublin Airport (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


====Rainfall records====
====Rainfall records====
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Snow and sleet are generally rare in Ireland, and typically confined to winter months.
Snow and sleet are generally rare in Ireland, and typically confined to winter months.


The snowiest weather station is that in [[Clones]], [[County Monaghan]]; which receives, on average, 26.9 days of snow and/or sleet per year. Of these, 10.8 days have snow lying at 09:00.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/clones.asp Met Éireann - Clones (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The snowiest weather station is that in [[Clones]], [[County Monaghan]]; which receives, on average, 26.9 days of snow and/or sleet per year. Of these, 10.8 days have snow lying at 09:00.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


The least snowy weather station is that in [[Valentia Island]], [[County Kerry]]; which receives, on average, 5.6 days of snow and/or sleet per year. Of these, 0.8 days have snow lying at 09:00.<ref name="met.ie"/>
The least snowy weather station is that in [[Valentia Island]], [[County Kerry]]; which receives, on average, 5.6 days of snow and/or sleet per year. Of these, 0.8 days have snow lying at 09:00.<ref name="met.ie"/>
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Generally, the coast tends to be windier than inland areas; and the west tends to be windier than the east.
Generally, the coast tends to be windier than inland areas; and the west tends to be windier than the east.


The station with the highest mean wind speed is [[Malin Head]], [[County Donegal]]; averaging at {{convert|16.3|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|lk=on}}. Malin Head also receives the most gale force winds, recording them on average 66.0 days per year.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/malinhead.asp Met Éireann - Malin Head (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The station with the highest mean wind speed is [[Malin Head]], [[County Donegal]]; averaging at {{convert|16.3|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|lk=on}}. Malin Head also receives the most gale force winds, recording them on average 66.0 days per year.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/malinhead.asp Met Éireann - Malin Head (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


The station with the lowest mean wind speed is [[Kilkenny]], [[County Kilkenny]]; averaging at {{convert|6.5|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/kilkenny.asp Met Éireann - Kilkenny (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The station with the lowest mean wind speed is [[Kilkenny]], [[County Kilkenny]]; averaging at {{convert|6.5|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/kilkenny.asp Met Éireann - Kilkenny (30 Year Averages)]</ref>


The station that records the least amount of gale force winds is that in [[Birr]], [[County Offaly]]; recording them on average 1.2 days per year.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/birr.asp Met Éireann - Birr (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
The station that records the least amount of gale force winds is that in [[Birr]], [[County Offaly]]; recording them on average 1.2 days per year.<ref>[http://www.met.ie/climate/birr.asp Met Éireann - Birr (30 Year Averages)]</ref>
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==Recent records==
==Recent records==

===Rainfall===
===Rainfall===
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{Europe topic|Climate of}}
{{Europe topic|Climate of}}


{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2010}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Climate Of Ireland}}
[[Category:Climate by country|Ireland]]
[[Category:Climate by country|Ireland]]
[[Category:Environment of Ireland]]
[[Category:Environment of Ireland]]

Revision as of 14:15, 8 September 2010

A typical North Atlantic low-pressure area moving across Ireland.

The climate of Ireland can be summed up as being mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. It is defined as a temperate oceanic climate, or Cfb on the Köppen climate classification system. The country receives generally warm summers and mild winters, and is considerably warmer than other areas on its latitude. This is due to the fact it lies in the Atlantic Ocean, and as a result is warmed by the Gulf Stream all year. Met Éireann is the Irish national meteorological service.

Temperature

Ireland, as a whole, experiences a lack of temperature extremes compared to other areas of similar latitudes. Summers are generally warm and winters are mild. There is a regional variation, with inland areas being cooler in winter and warmer in summer than their coastal counterparts.

The warmest areas are found along the south-west coast. Valentia Island, County Kerry has the highest annual mean temperature, at 10.4 °C (50.7 °F).[1]

The coldest areas are found inland. Clones, County Monaghan and Mullingar, County Westmeath both have the lowest annual mean temperature, at 8.8 °C (47.8 °F).[2][3]

The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) at Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny on 26 June 1887. The lowest temperature was −19.1 °C (−2.4 °F) at Markree Castle, County Sligo on 16 January 1881.[4]

Extreme heat and cold are both rare throughout the country. Summer temperatures exceed 30 °C (86 °F) usually once or twice every decade (2006, 2003, 1995, 1989, 1983, 1976 and 1975 are recent examples), though commonly reach 29 °C (84.2 °F) most summers, while severe freezes occur only occasionally in winter, with temperatures below −5 °C (23 °F) being very uncommon, and temperatures below freezing uncommon in many coastal areas.

Mean daily winter temperatures vary from 4.0 °C (39.2 °F) to 7.6 °C (45.7 °F), and mean daily summer temperatures vary from 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) to 15.7 °C (60.3 °F).

Hardiness zones

Ireland's (and Britain's) hardiness zones

Most of Ireland is in hardiness zone 9, with the interior being zone 8 and the south-west coast being in zone 10.

Sunshine

July sunshine in County Cavan

The sunniest months are May and June. During these months sunshine duration averages between 5 and 6½ hours per day over most of the country. The south-east gets the most sunshine, averaging over 7 hours a day in early summer. December is the dullest month with an average daily sunshine ranging from about 1 hour in the north to almost 2 hours in the south-east. Over the year as a whole most areas get an average of between 3¼ and 3¾ hours of sunshine each day. Irish skies are completely covered by cloud roughly half of the time.

The sunniest part of the island is the south-east coast. Rosslare, County Wexford is the sunniest area, and receives on average 4.33 hours of sunshine per day (1,580.45 hours per year).[5]

The dullest, i.e., least sunny, part of the island is in the northern half of the country. Clones, County Monaghan is the dullest area, receiving on average 3.19 hours of sunshine per day (1,164.35 hours per year).[2]

Precipitation

Rainfall is, by far, the most common form of precipitation on the island.[citation needed]

Rainfall

Farmland flooded after Autumn rains in Cavan

Rainfall is extremely common throughout Ireland, although some parts of the west coast receive over four times as much rain as the east coast. Most of the eastern half of the country has between 750 and 1,000 mm (29.5 and 39.4 in) of rainfall in the year. Rainfall in the west generally averages between 1,000 and 1,250 mm (39.4 and 49.2 in). In many mountainous districts rainfall exceeds 2,000 mm (78.7 in) per year. The wettest months almost everywhere are December and January. April is the driest month generally, but in many southern parts June is the driest.

The average number of "wet days" (days with more than 1 mm (0.039 in) of rain) ranges from about 150 days a year along the east and south-east coasts, to about 225 days a year in parts of the west.

The wettest weather station is that in Valentia Island, County Kerry, which receives 1,430.1 mm (56.30 in) of rain per year, on average.[1]

The driest weather station is Casement Aerodrome, County Dublin, which receives 711.4 mm (28.01 in) of rain per year, on average.[6]

The weather station with the highest number of "wet days" is Belmullet, County Mayo with 193 days per year,[7] while the station with the lowest number of "wet days" is Dublin Airport, County Dublin with 128 days per year.[8]

Rainfall records

  • The driest year recorded in Ireland was 1887, with only 356.6 mm (14.04 in) of rain recorded at Glasnevin, County Dublin.
  • The longest drought in Ireland occurred in Limerick between 3 April 1938 and 10 May 1938 (37 days).
  • The greatest monthly total was 790.0 mm (31.10 in); recorded at the Comeragh Mountains in October 1996.
  • The greatest annual total was 3,964.9 mm (156.10 in); recorded at Ballaghbeena Gap in 1960.
  • The greatest hourly total was 97 mm (3.82 in); recorded at Orra Beg, County Antrim, August 1980.
  • The greatest daily total was 243.5 mm (9.59 in); recorded at Cloore Lake, County Kerry on 18 September 1993

Snow and sleet

Wicklow in February

Snow and sleet are generally rare in Ireland, and typically confined to winter months.

The snowiest weather station is that in Clones, County Monaghan; which receives, on average, 26.9 days of snow and/or sleet per year. Of these, 10.8 days have snow lying at 09:00.[2]

The least snowy weather station is that in Valentia Island, County Kerry; which receives, on average, 5.6 days of snow and/or sleet per year. Of these, 0.8 days have snow lying at 09:00.[1]

Hail

Hail, like snow and sleet, is also rare in Ireland; however it can occur at any time of the year.

Malin Head, County Donegal receives the most hail; with there being 48.4 days per year with hail falling.[9]

Roches Point, County Cork receives the least hail; with there being 8.0 days per year with hail falling.[10]

Thunder

Thunder is most common in Ireland late in summer; though can occur at any time of the year.

Cork Airport, County Cork experiences the least thunder; receiving it 3.7 days per year on average.[11]

Valentia Island, County Kerry experiences the most thunder; receiving it 7.1 days per year on average.[1]

Wind

Generally, the coast tends to be windier than inland areas; and the west tends to be windier than the east.

The station with the highest mean wind speed is Malin Head, County Donegal; averaging at 16.3 kn (30.2 km/h; 18.8 mph). Malin Head also receives the most gale force winds, recording them on average 66.0 days per year.[12]

The station with the lowest mean wind speed is Kilkenny, County Kilkenny; averaging at 6.5 kn (12.0 km/h; 7.5 mph).[13]

The station that records the least amount of gale force winds is that in Birr, County Offaly; recording them on average 1.2 days per year.[14]

The highest wind speed ever recorded in Ireland was 200 km/h (124 mph; 108 kn) at Kilkeel, County Down on 12 January 1974.

Tornadoes are just too rare in Ireland, with around less than ten reported every year - mostly in August.[15]

Fog

Fog in the Wicklow Mountains

Fog is more common inland and on higher altitudes; mainly during winter and during the morning at times of high pressure.

The foggiest station is that at Cork Airport, County Cork, which has 99.5 days of fog per year.[16]

The least foggy station is that at Valentia Island, County Kerry, which has 8.9 days of fog per year.[1]

Recent records

Rainfall

Rainfall records
Year 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Highest annual total 2,175 millimetres (85.6 in)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		1,673 millimetres (65.9 in)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		1,351 millimetres (53.2 in)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		1,761 millimetres (69.3 in)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		1,500 millimetres (59 in)
Valentia Observatory, KY
Lowest annual total 918 millimetres (36.1 in)
Dublin Airport, D 		944 millimetres (37.2 in)
Dublin Airport, D 		755 millimetres (29.7 in)
Rosslare, WX 		678 millimetres (26.7 in)
Casement Aerodrome, D 		624 millimetres (24.6 in)
Casement Aerodrome, D
Highest daily rainfall 51.2 millimetres (2.02 in)
Cork Airport, C
19 November 		102.0 millimetres (4.02 in)
Bulderrig, MO
13 August 		53.3 millimetres (2.10 in)
Phoenix Park, D
22 June 		55.3 millimetres (2.18 in)
Valentia Observatory, KY
25 October 		66.3 millimetres (2.61 in)
Cork Airport, C
24 July
Source: Met Éireann

Temperature

Temperature records
Year 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Highest mean annual temperature 11.1 °C (52.0 °F)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		11.1 °C (52.0 °F)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		11.7 °C (53.1 °F)
Valentia Observatory, KY 		11.4 °C (52.5 °F)
Valentia Observatory, KY
and
Rosslare, WX 		11.4 °C (52.5 °F)
Valentia Observatory, KY
Lowest mean annual temperature 8.7 °C (47.7 °F)
Knock Airport, MO 		8.7 °C (47.7 °F)
Knock Airport, MO 		9.5 °C (49.1 °F)
Knock Airport, MO 		9.1 °C (48.4 °F)
Knock Airport, MO 		9.1 °C (48.4 °F)
Knock Airport, MO
Highest temperature 27.5 °C (81.5 °F)
Birr, OY
2 June
and
Claremorris, MO
2 June 		25.2 °C (77.4 °F)
Shannon Airport, CE
24 July 		25.9 °C (78.6 °F)
Clones, MN
11 June 		32.3 °C (90.1 °F)
Elphin, RN
19 July 		29.2 °C (84.6 °F)
Kilkenny, KK
11 July, 12 July
Lowest temperature −10.0 °C (14.0 °F)
Mullingar, WH
25 December 		−7.7 °C (18.1 °F)
Casement Aerodrome, D
19 February 		−6.5 °C (20.3 °F)
Clones, MN
7 February 		−7.8 °C (18.0 °F)
Birr, OY
3 March 		−5.6 °C (21.9 °F)
Casement Aerodrome, D
3 March
Source: Met Éireann

Sunshine

Sunshine records
Year 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Highest annual total 1,561 hours
Dublin Airport, D 		1,512 hours
Dublin Airport, D 		1,789 hours
Rosslare, WX 		1,710 hours
Rosslare, WX 		1,619 hours
Rosslare, WX
Lowest annual total 1,319 hours
Knock Airport, MO 		1,249 hours
Birr, OY 		1,330 hours
Knock Airport, MO 		1,304 hours
Knock Airport, MO 		1,147 hours
Birr, OY
Highest daily sunshine 16.0 hours
Casement Aerodrome, D
24 June 		15.3 hours
Malin Head, DL
26 May 		15.6 hours
Knock Airport, MO
4 June
and
Malin Head, DL
6 June 		15.8 hours
Malin Head, DL
25 June 		15.6 hours
Rosslare, WX
11 July
and
Dublin Airport, D
11 July
Source: Met Éireann

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Met Éireann - Valentia Observatory (30 Year Averages)
  2. ^ a b c Met Éireann - Clones (30 Year Averages)
  3. ^ Met Éireann - Mullingar (30 Year Averages)
  4. ^ Met Éireann - Temperature
  5. ^ Met Éireann - Rosslare (30 Year Averages)
  6. ^ Met Éireann - Casement Aerodrome (30 Year Averages)
  7. ^ Met Éireann - Belmullet (30 Year Averages)
  8. ^ Met Éireann - Dublin Airport (30 Year Averages)
  9. ^ Met Éireann - Malin Head (30 Year Averages)
  10. ^ Met Éireann - Roche's Point (30 Year Averages)
  11. ^ Met Éireann - Cork Airport (30 Year Averages)
  12. ^ Met Éireann - Malin Head (30 Year Averages)
  13. ^ Met Éireann - Kilkenny (30 Year Averages)
  14. ^ Met Éireann - Birr (30 Year Averages)
  15. ^ BreakingNews.ie - Yesterday’s tornados ‘almost unheard of’
  16. ^ Met Éireann - Cork Airport (30 Year Averages)

External links

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