Parts of country record driest August since 2005

Last month was generally dry and warm with many counties recording their driest August since 2005, according to Met Éireann.

Only Carlow recorded above average rainfall with 85.6mm of rain falling during the month. Over a third of this fell on the 4th during exceptionally heavy showers, according to the organisation's weather report for August.

The wettest days during the month nationally were the 1st and the 15th.

The month’s highest daily rainfall was recorded in Athenry, Co Galway on the 1st with 30.3mm.

Dublin and many southern coastal counties reported their warmest August in up to 10 years.

While Carlow was the wettest area it was also the site of the month’s highest temperature of 24.3 degrees on the 17th.

The lowest temperature recorded was 14 degrees at Knock Airport.

Two stations, Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry, and Belmullet, Co Mayo recorded around five days with almost no direct sunshine, 30 minutes or less, and their dullest August since 2008 and 1994 respectively.

Despite having days of very low sunshine, Belmullet also recorded the sunniest day of the month on the 4th with 12 hours of sunshine.

Met Éireann is forecasting mild and dry weather until the middle of this week with temperatures just over 20 degrees and the possibility of showers along coastal counties.

From Wednesday rain and cooler temperatures can be expected to spread from the north.

Temperatures will drop during the second half of the week to the mid-teens during daytime and as low as 5 degrees at night.