October was driest in five years, Met Éireann figures show

The October just past was the driest in five years with above average temperatures recorded across the country, according to data from Met Éireann.

The monthly summary said most stations reported on or above long-term average mean air temperatures, with a few scattered stations in the midlands, east and west reporting slightly lower than average temperatures.

The month’s highest mean air temperature, 12.3 degrees, was reported at Sherkin Island, Co Cork, with the lowest, 9.4 degrees, recorded at Markree Co Sligo.

Most of the month’s maxima temperatures were recorded on October 1st and 6th with the highest temperature, 19.1 degrees, reported at Carlow (Oak Park) on the 1st.

Lowest temperatures were recorded predominantly between October 12th and 17th with the lowest air temperature, -2 degrees, recorded at Markree, CO Sligo on the 17th. The lowest grass temperature was reported at Carlow (Oak Park) at -5.1 degrees on the 15th.

Rainfall totals were below average, with all stations reporting two-thirds or below of their normal rainfall. Almost all stations reported their driest October in five to 12 years, with Dunsany, Co Meath, reporting its driest October since 1999 with a monthly total of 47.6 mm (53 per cent of its lont-term average).

The month’s wettest day was reported at Valentia on the 23rd with 23.2mm of rain but most other stations reported their lowest total for a month’s wettest day in five to 16 years.

Monthly sunshine ranged from 75.9 hours at Knock Airport, Co Mayo, to 118.3 hours at Malin Head, Co Donegal. The sunniest day was October 1st with 11 hours recorded at Belmullet, Co Mayo. Casement Aerodrome reported its sunniest October day on record (since the station opened in 1964) with 10.2 hours on the 1st.

Monthly mean wind speeds ranged from 4.9 knots at Fermoy (Moore Park), Co Cork, to 12.4 knots at Mace Head, Co Galway. Generally monthly mean wind speeds were the lowest for five to eight years.