Met Éireann: 19% more rainfall than normal in February

According to the forecaster, the number of rain days ranged from 21 days at Markree, Co Sligo to 27 days at both Roche’s Point, Co Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Last month saw 19% more rainfall than usual across the country, with Dublin Airport seeing its wettest ever February.

Met Éireann's climate statement for last month shows that rainfall was highest in the east and the south, and was the 19th wettest February since records began.

Dublin Airport experienced 255% of its normal rainfall.

The airport also recorded “lower-than-average” sunshine hours, experiencing its dullest February since 1947 with 36.6 hours of sunshine.

Cork Airport experienced the highest number of daily sunshine hours at 8.3 on February 1.

Meanwhile, Shannon Airport experienced the most sunshine, while only getting 79% of the typical sunshine hours for February.

However, Casement Aerodrome in Co Dublin experienced under half of its usual sunshine hours, at just 36.7 hours for the month - the lowest amount recorded in the last 62 years at the site.

According to the forecaster, the number of rain days ranged from 21 days at Markree, Co Sligo, to 27 days at both Roche’s Point, Co Cork, and Knock, Co Mayo.

February’s highest temperature was reported at Moore Park, Co Cork, on February 23 and 25, with a temperature of 14.8C.

According to the forecaster, the average temperature in the country was 7.21C during the month.

The report is based on preliminary data from 25 principal weather stations operated by the forecaster.

It comes as spring appears to be finally on the way, as Met Éireann has forecasted sunshine as clouds clear in many parts of the Munster region.

It will be mostly cloudy on Wednesday, but with some bright or sunny breaks in the mix. While there will be a lot of dry weather overall, patchy drizzle will occur, and a few showers will develop in the west and northwest towards evening. 

Highest temperatures of 10C to 14C are to be expected in light to moderate southerly winds.