‘Sunshine on the way’, says weather-predicting postie

Temperatures are set to soar in early July and mid-August – according to Donegal postman-come-weatherman Michael Gallagher anyway.

Michael, who has been predicting the weather for 25 years, took time out from his busy day job in the Cloghan area of Donegal today to launch the SuperValu Summer Food and Wine range in Dublin along with TG4 weathergirl and presenter Mairead Ni Chuaig.

The postman says that he learned to observe the outward appearances, moods or movements of the animals and countryside, which he claims provide indications of that kind weather to expect over the coming days and weeks. He has been particularity encouraged by recent signs of the sheep moving to the mountains.

He also claims that the ever-changing hues of the mountains against the horizon from day to day have also helped the people of Na Cruacha Gorma (The Croaghs) in Donegal to predict the weather.

He said: “All the signs are there that summer is far from over. Before weather forecasts, the old people used to rely on the natural signs around them to see what weather would come and decide what to do with the farm whether it was sowing crops or saving hay, traditionally a late spring with cold weather and in particular hailstones would mean a good summer was on the way.

“Also I've seen a lot of the animals heading for the mountains which is another sure sign of good weather. Whilst we may have the odd thunder shower and some mixed weather there'll be plenty of time to get the BBQ out before the end of summer."

Weathergirl Ni Chuaig also expressed her belief that we were set for more warm days and sunshine, although she stopped short of stating when the good weather would arrive.

"Whilst it's hard to predict too far in advance, I wouldn’t put the BBQ away just yet, we're certainly all hoping for some high pressure and low winds like we had the first couple of weeks in June when Ireland had better conditions than most of Europe.

“The country is transformed when the sun shines and I love nothing better than good food on the BBQ with a glass of wine and friends.”