Cork lashed by its highest October rainfall in 60 years

Ireland got off lightly in Storm Ciarán on November 1 but it will contribute to new records — nine weather stations had already exceeded their average autumn rainfall by October 31. Picture: Denis Minihane

Cork Airport saw its highest October rainfall for more than 60 years, and last month was also its third wettest month ever, according to Met Éireann.

In an indication of how the climate is changing in real time, October was only behind December 2015 and January 1974 among the rainiest months recorded at the monitoring station at Cork Airport.

It also saw the rainiest day in the country with 55.6mm on Wednesday, October 18 — the day that Midleton, Glanmire, and other areas were devastated by Storm Babet.

October 18 saw the highest daily fall for the month in 28 years.

Met Éireann said that the intense rainfall, coupled with saturated ground due to rainfall well above average over the previous three months, led to several flooding episodes across the country.

Nine weather stations have already exceeded their long-term average seasonal rainfall for autumn with one month remaining.

These include Cork Airport at 135%, Moore Park in North Cork at 129%, Roches Point in Cork Harbour at 133%, and Sherkin Island off West Cork at 101%.

Nine stations, including Cork Airport, Roches Point, and Moore Park, Phoenix Park, and Dublin Airport have already had at or over 100% of their annual average rainfall for 2023 with two months remaining.

All average air temperatures across the country were above their long-term average for the month, while less than half of stations reported air frost.

Nine stations broke their October maximum temperature records, including Phoenix Park breaking its 62-year record with 23.4C, and Dublin Airport with 23.2C over 81 years of records.

The floods that took Midleton by surprise, causing millions of euro worth of damage to homes and businesses, have been described by locals as the worst in living memory. The first five payments of €10,000 were made to businesses this week following Storm Babet, the Irish Red Cross confirmed.

The Irish Red Cross was tasked by the Government to administer two emergency flood relief schemes to Midleton, which saw up to 250 homes and businesses with no flood insurance cover damaged by Storm Babet last month, as well as other areas including West Waterford and Kilkenny.

A business advice clinic run out of the Midleton Chamber office will be set up with the local enterprise office from next week and will offer private meetings for assistance in applying for relief.