Ireland’s climate has undergone significant changes over the past three decades, with new data from Met Eireann revealing that the country is experiencing hotter temperatures, more sunshine, and increased rainfall. The report, which summarizes the climate changes from 1991 to 2020, shows that the average nationwide air temperature has risen by 0.7 degrees Celsius to 9.8 degrees Celsius across all four seasons compared to the previous 30 years. Additionally, there has been a 7% increase in rainfall and a 5% increase in annual sunshine hours.
The data also highlights regional variations, with the West and North of Ireland experiencing the greatest increases in annual rainfall. May emerged as the sunniest month on average, while December was the dullest. Winter and autumn were the wettest seasons, while spring was the driest. Notably, May saw the largest temperature increase, rising by an average of one degree.
Met Eireann Climatologist and Project Lead, Mary Curley, emphasized that these changes align with the global phenomenon of climate change. She stated, “The publication of Ireland’s most recent climate averages allows us to assess how Ireland’s current climate compares to the previous 30-year period. We know that the atmosphere is warming, and what we’re seeing at the local and national scale fits the international picture.”
Curley also emphasized the importance of this data as a benchmark for weather and climate conditions, providing crucial information for government and relevant stakeholders to make informed decisions that benefit society. However, she also noted that while these averages provide a baseline for comparison, it is essential to remember that weather patterns can vary significantly from year to year.
In conclusion, the new data from Met Eireann highlights the changes in Ireland’s climate over the past 30 years. The country has experienced hotter temperatures, more sunshine, and increased rainfall. These findings align with the global trend of climate change and serve as a valuable resource for decision-makers. It is crucial to use this data as a baseline while acknowledging the natural variability of weather patterns from year to year.