Global warming increasing risk of severe weather events, Met Éireann warns

Met Éireann said projections pointed to further warming in future, while it is predicted our rainfall patterns will change, bringing increased dry periods and heavy rainfall events.

The new year may have begun with a cold snap, but Ireland is coming off its second warmest year ever, bringing with it a heightened risk of severe weather events, Met Éireann has said.

In its annual climate statement, the national meteorological service said the last four years had been the warmest years on record as we mirror global warming trends.

“The warming trend is very clear, with the last four years being the warmest four years on record in Ireland, since 1900,” Met Éireann climatologist Paul Moore said.

“2025 saw not only our warmest spring, but also our warmest summer on record, with high nighttime temperatures contributing to the summer record.” 

While the country saw a warm spring and summer, the beginning of last year was cool, with snow in parts, before Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc, bringing hurricane force winds — the highest ever recorded in Ireland.

And, the last four months of the year were very wet, with heavy rainfall events that led to widespread coastal and river flooding.

Met Éireann said projections pointed to further warming in future, while it is predicted our rainfall patterns will change, bringing increased dry periods and heavy rainfall events.

Climate change is adding fuel to storms due to warmer waters and more moisture in the atmosphere, and studies show storms experienced in the past, like Storm Ophelia, will become more powerful, larger, and more destructive in a warmer world, Met Éireann said.

Mr Moore added: “We experienced five named storms in 2025, as well as a number of impactful rain events. The continued warming brings with it the increasing risk of severe weather events.”