Weather review 2021: year of firsts saw a high temperature warning and ‘tropical night’

This year saw the warmest autumn on record in Ireland, Met Éireann has provisionally confirmed, as the country experienced a continuing pattern of milder temperatures "due to human-caused climate change".

In its review of the year’s weather and climate, Met Éireann said that, provisionally, 2021 also saw the warmest September on record in Ireland, with an average temperature of 15.3 degrees, which is about 2.3 degrees above average.

The average temperature in the autumn was 12 degrees, about 1.8 degrees higher than usual.

It is the 11th year in a row in which temperatures were recorded above Ireland’s average, the national forecaster said.

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Year review

The year began unsettled and wet, as Storm Cristoph arrived in January. Flooding threatened some homes and farmlands and at least one home was abandoned in Roscommon.

February began after a status-yellow snow and ice warning for half the country, and saw continued spells of wet weather.

March saw a mix of weather but high pressure became well established in April to give a dry and cold month, “thanks to a cool polar airmass”.

There was above-average rain in May and below-average temperatures, but a sunny, warm summer was in store.

Above-average temperatures were recorded at all weather stations in the country during June and July, and the latter saw widespread heatwaves and long dry spells.

Met Éireann recorded its first-ever high temperature warning in July, advising the public to take extra care during the hot weather. Temperatures of at least 25 degrees were recorded for at least five days in a row, according to the forecaster.

Ireland’s first “tropical night” was also recorded at Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry, as overnight temperatures stayed above 20 degrees.

A new record for highest temperature was set in Northern Ireland, as Co Armagh and Castlederg in Co Tyrone experienced 31.3 degrees on July 21st and 22nd.

Downpours

Thundery downpours and flash flooding ended the heatwave in August, and were followed by a month of mild and changeable weather.

September saw temperature records broken at several stations, including Phoenix Park which had its warmest September in 122 years.

Mean temperatures remained above average in October and November, but October saw a wet month due to Atlantic low pressures including ex-hurricane Sam.

November was generally dry but ended with wet and windy conditions in northern areas due to Storm Arwen.

Storm Barra was the most memorable weather event of December, with severe and damaging winds triggering orange and red weather warnings, though it was, in general, another mild month.

As we enter 2022, Met Éireann said the country is on track for another warm year, with temperatures about 0.9 degrees above average.