Ireland 'must monitor climate change impact' following autumn of heatwaves and storms

Roches Point in Cork had its wettest autumn on record with 474.6mm falling. Picture: David Creedon

It is essential that Ireland monitors the impact of global warming experts have warned, as 2011-2020 was the country's warmest decade on record.

The latest report from the World Meteorological Organisation found that globally, the decade was the warmest by a clear margin for both land and ocean. The average global temperature for this period was 1.10C above the pre-industrial average.

The report also found that sea level rise accelerated, there was unprecedented glacier and ice sheet loss, and more countries reported record high temperatures than in any other decade.

Ireland's average temperature for the 10-year period was 0.66C above the 20th century yearly average. The hottest years during this time were 2017 and 2020. Half of the six warmest years in Ireland between 1901 and 2020 were from 2005.

"While the warming of Ireland aligns with the global trend, it is not exactly the same," said Met Éireann's head of climate services, Keith Lambkin.

"As the planet warms differently in different regions it is essential that we continue to observe, monitor, and project this warming as it relates to Ireland.” 

This autumn was the tenth consecutive season with above-average temperatures at most stations across the country. The season began with heatwaves, but brought us four named storms and ended with cold arctic air and widespread frost.

Co Carlow broke its 18-year record when the mercury hit 28.5C on September 8, making it the highest autumn temperature on record.

Overall, the average temperatures across the country were above the norm for the time of year.

There was also more sunshine than usual during the three months with totals ranging from 255.9 hours at Valentia Observatory to 345 hours at Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford.

It will come as no surprise to those in storm-hit counties that autumn saw above-average rainfall in most places with the south of the country impacted the most. The number of rain days ranged from 55 days at Phoenix Park in Dublin to 76 at Sherkin Island, Cork.

Flooding in Midleton this October. It will come as no surprise to those in storm-hit counties that autumn saw above-average rainfall in most places. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Valentia Observatory logged the highest number of wet days and very wet days, with 59 and 23 days respectively. Roches Point in Cork had its wettest autumn on record with 474.6mm falling, while Cork Airport recorded its highest daily rainfall for autumn since 1995 when 55.6mm falling on Wednesday, October 18 during Storm Babet.

Storms Agnes and Debi brought storm force winds with the season's highest gust reported at Sherkin Island on September 27 during Agnes.

Met Éireann also released its climate report for November which found overall mild conditions throughout.

The first few weeks were dominated by Atlantic low pressure systems bringing rain and showers most days before the final days saw high pressure having more influence resulting in drier and cooler conditions.

November kicked off with Storm Ciarán which made its way across the country developing into a vigorous depression.

Ciarán was quickly followed by Storm Debi which brought a swath of very strong and damaging winds as well as widespread heavy rain.

The storm was responsible for Athenry, Galway recording its highest gust on record for November when winds reached 62 knots (114 km/h).

It may not have felt that way for many but most of the monthly rainfall totals in Ireland were below their average.

The level of rainfall differed drastically from one side of the country to the other as Casement Aerodrome in Dublin recorded 41.2mm compared to 209.6mm at Newport, Co Mayo.

Even neighbouring counties experienced significantly different conditions as Cork recorded 18 rain days while Kerry had 23.