The continuation of unsettled summer weather is predicted for the upcoming week and weekend. This is not unusual given the current weather patterns, according to Keith Lambkin, head of the Climate Services Division at Met Éireann. He attributes the current climate to the position of the jet stream which divides cold polar air from warm equatorial air.
When the jet stream is positioned over Ireland, Lambkin explains, warmer Mediterranean air permeates upward and influences the country. On the other hand, when it moves below Ireland, the region tends to experience influences of the colder air. The past few weeks have seen the jet stream lower than Ireland, resulting in colder weather punctuated by “rainy systems”, contrasting starkly to mainland Europe currently experiencing intense heat due to its position beneath the jet stream.
Contrary to last year’s record for the warmest June, last month was milder. Lambkin clarified that despite the world getting progressively warmer, it does not guarantee that every subsequent month or year would be warmer than its predecessor, specifically on a local level.
Longer-term weather predictions, though uncertain, suggest an improvement in conditions before summer ends. Predictions for August include drier conditions than the average and minutely warmer temperatures. However, the unsettled weather trend is forecasted to continue in the short-term.
Friday daytime temperatures are anticipated to fall between 16 and 22 degrees, with widespread rain and occasional heavy showers predicted that evening, as informed by Met Éireann. Saturday is forecasted to carry heavier rainfall that could lead to localised flooding. Yet there is some solace, as clearer skies and sunny spells alongside temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees are expected to follow, though showers might return later.
Sunday is likely to start dry, but showers from the west are set to blanket all areas by the evening, and temperatures may fall slightly between 15 and 19 degrees. Monday’s weather prediction includes sporadic rainfall, and Tuesday is expected to be predominantly dry with sunny intervals. However, Met Éireann warns, “More rain is anticipated to sweep in from the west on Wednesday.”