Ireland’s 15th Warmest Winter: Met Éireann Reports Record Temperatures and Wind Activity
Winter 2024/25 brought surprises with its uncharacteristically warm temperatures across Ireland, ranking as the 15th warmest winter season since 1900. Despite a picturesque blanket of snow in January, the average temperature stood at 6.73 degrees, a stark contrast to the frigid chill experienced in previous years. The season’s temperature was a notable 0.75 degrees cooler than the record-breaking 7.48 degrees recorded in 2019, yet significantly warmer than the bone-chilling 2.90 degrees of 1963.
Meteorological experts at Met Éireann delved into the seasonal data, revealing intriguing insights into the fluctuating weather patterns that defined Winter 2024/25. While January saw below-average temperatures due to an Arctic air mass sweeping across the nation, December and February witnessed a surprising uptick in temperatures, surpassing the expectations of many weather observers.
Temperature Extremes and Anomalies
Throughout the season, temperature variations were noted across different regions in Ireland, ranging from the chill of 5.1 degrees at Knock Airport in Co Mayo to the balmy 8.5 degrees at Sherkin Island in Co Cork. These diverse temperature readings underscored the dynamic nature of Ireland’s climate, offering a glimpse into the unique microclimates that shape the nation’s weather patterns.
The winter season saw record-setting temperature extremes, with Athenry in Co Galway experiencing a bone-chilling low of -7.6 degrees on January 9th, while Shannon Airport in Co Clare basked in a pleasant 15 degrees on December 17th. These stark temperature differentials captured the essence of Ireland’s mercurial weather, showcasing the dramatic shifts that can occur within a short span of time.
Wind Records and Precipitation Patterns
In addition to temperature fluctuations, Winter 2024/25 was marked by unprecedented wind activity, with storm-force winds wreaking havoc in several regions. Storm Darragh unleashed its fury in early December, followed by Storm Éowyn, which brought hurricane-force winds on January 23rd and 24th, causing widespread power outages and disruptions. The strongest gust of 184km/h and a 10-minute mean wind speed of 142km/h were recorded at Mace Head in Co Galway, highlighting the intensity of the winter storms that battered the Irish coastline.
Provisional rainfall data indicated that Winter 2024/25 was the 41st driest since 1940, with variations in rainfall totals across different regions. From Dublin Airport in Co Dublin, where 167.1mm of rainfall was recorded (90% of the average), to Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry, which received 532.5mm (106% of the average), the precipitation patterns underscored the diverse climatic conditions that define Ireland’s weather.
Roches Point in Co Cork experienced its wettest winter since 1974, signaling a shift in the region’s rainfall trends, while Valentia Observatory recorded the winter’s wettest day with 37.4mm of rainfall on January 4th. The number of rain days ranged from 45 at Dublin Airport to 76 at Belmullet and Knock Airport, reflecting the varying levels of precipitation that impacted different parts of the country.
Amidst the rain and wind, Ireland also enjoyed above-average sunshine hours, offering respite from the gloomy winter days. From Malin Head in Co Donegal, where 156.6 hours of sunshine were recorded, to Dublin Airport with 209.9 hours, the nation reveled in fleeting moments of sunshine amidst the grey skies. Notable highlights included 9.6 hours of daily sunshine at Gurteen in Co Tipperary on February 27th and 46 dull days recorded at Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford.
As the winter season drew to a close, Ireland reflected on the unique weather phenomena that defined Winter 2024/25, offering a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of climatic patterns that shape the nation’s meteorological landscape. From temperature extremes to wind records and precipitation anomalies, the season was a testament to Ireland’s ever-changing weather dynamics, reminding us of the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
