Globally:
When fully analysed, 2019 will likely be the second or third warmest year on record. Average temperatures for the five-year (2015-2019) and ten-year (2010-2019) periods are almost certain to be the highest on record. Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one. This trend is expected to continue.
Ireland:
At home, 2019 is the 9th consecutive year with temperatures above normal (2010 being below normal). Rainfall amounts ranged from 95% of normal at Sherkin Island (Cork) to 120% of normal at Athenry (Galway). The beginning of the year saw temperatures above normal, while values at the end of the year were below or around normal for the time of year. Summer was slightly above normal, as Ireland escaped the worst of the record breaking heat waves that gripped Europe during June and July.
Irish Temperatures:
Nearly all mean air temperatures were above their Long-Term Average. Deviations from mean air temperature for the year ranged from -0.1 C at Athenry to 0.7 C at Phoenix Park (Dublin). The year’s highest temperature was reported was 29.8°C at Ardfert, Kerry on Thursday 27th June. Lowest temperature recorded was -5.8°C at Dublin Airport on 31st January.
Irish Rainfall:
The majority of annual rainfall totals were above their Long-Term Average. Percentage of annual rainfall values ranged from 95% at Sherkin Island, Cork to 120% at Athenry, Galway. Highest daily rainfall recorded was at Derrypark, Mayo on the 30th August.
Irish Winds:
Annual mean wind speeds ranged from 6.1 knots (11.3 km/h) at Mullingar, Westmeath to 15.0 knots (27.8 km/h) at Mace Head, Galway. Storms force winds were recorded on 5 days at Mace Head, 2 days at Sherkin Island and 2 days at Malin Head. The year’s highest gust was reported at Malin Head, Donegal on the 12th Mar with 70 knots (129 km/h).The year’s highest 10-minute mean wind speed was 53 knots (98 km/h) at Mace Head on the 18th Dec.
| 2019 NAMED STORMS | 1st Warning |
| Erik | 07/02/2019 |
| Freya (Snow on 2nd) | 01/03/2019 |
| Gareth | 11/03/2019 |
| Hannah | 25/04/2019 |
| Hannah (Kerry & Clare) | 26/04/2019 |
| Lorenzo (NHC) | 02/10/2019 |
| Atiya | 06/12/2019 |
| Atiya ( Kerry) | 08/12/2019 |
| Elsa | 17/12/2019 |
Irish Sunshine:
All sunshine totals were above their Long-Term Average. Percentage of annual sunshine values ranged from 86% at Knock Airport, Mayo to 113 % at Johnstown Castle, Wexford. The highest number of daily sunshine hours recorded this year was 15.7 hours at Belmullet, Co. Mayo on Sunday, the 14th July.
A more detailed annual summary of 2019 will be published here on Monday 6th January. December’s monthly summary will be published here on Friday 3rd January.
