Sunny summer was hottest in 30 years

THE highest temperature in 30 years was recorded in the sun-soaked summer of 2006 according to weather records released for the past year.

A scorching high of 32.3C registered on the thermometer at Elphin, Co Roscommon on July 19 — just marginally below the last melting moment in June 1976 when weather-watchers recorded a 20th century record of 32.5C at Boora, Co Offaly.

Overall, the weather in 2006 was sunnier, wetter and warmer than normal with Met Éireann reporting that most meteorological stations had their finest spell since 1997. The mildest year on record was enjoyed at Casement Aerodrome (Dublin), Kilkenny, Rosslare and also at Malin Head, where records stretch back to 1855.