According to Met Éireann’s preliminary data, most of the Irish weather stations reported rainfall levels in March that exceeded their standard averages. On the first of March, Dublin Airport recorded the highest daily rainfall of 45.3 mm, the highest ever recorded for the month.
Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry experienced a monthly rainfall total of 239.8mm, marking its rainiest March since 1963. The frequency of ‘rain days’ varied between 20 days at Belmullet, Co Mayo, and 29 days at Shannon Airport, Co Clare, and Ballyhaise, Co Cavan.
Despite the wet month, Met Éireann highlighted in their monthly report that the average air temperatures throughout the country exceeded their usual averages for the month. Temperatures for March varied from 6.4 degrees at Knock airport, Co Mayo, to 9.1 degrees at Sherkin Island, Co Cork.
At Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon, both the highest and lowest temperatures of the month were recorded. On March 29th, the minimum air and grass temperatures were measured at -2.7 degrees and -7.1 degrees, respectively. The month’s highest temperature, reaching 16.3 degrees, was recorded on Easter Sunday, March 31st.
Five weather stations reported their highest minimum temperatures for March on record.
As per Met Éireann’s forecast, the unsettled conditions would continue on Wednesday with cloudy spells and sunshine expected before rain hits across Munster, south Leinster and elsewhere. A peak temperature prediction ranges from 10 to 12 degrees.
Early on Thursday, areas of mist or drizzle could be expected to clear, allowing for sunny spells and intermittent showers. Rain is set to spread across Munster in the afternoon and extend nationwide in the evening, potentially becoming heavy in some areas. Maximum temperatures would range from 10 to 13 degrees.
Friday is expected to be windy and mild with sunshine and widespread showers, some of which could be heavy and thunderous. A top temperature between 13 to 16 degrees is forecasted. Heavy rain is predicted for Friday night, which may cause localized flooding.
According to predictions, Saturday will be windy with rain moving north-eastward over Ireland followed by sunny spells, and scattered showers with top temperatures ranging from 12 to 15 degrees. Sunday is forecasted to be a ‘bright and breezy’ day with scattered showers and sunshine.