So, I heard through the grapevine that the record temperature for April in Ireland was totally smashed on Wednesday. According to some data from Met Éireann, it was a scorching day all over the place, and the previous April record of 25.8 degrees was left in the dust in Athenry, Co Galway. They hit a high of 25.9 degrees in the provisional data, which is pretty insane. The old record was set in Glenties, Co Donegal, back in 1984.
And get this, the previous highest April temperature in Athenry was a measly 21.8 degrees set in 2011. Other areas also saw their local April records broken, with highs recorded at a whopping 17 weather stations across the State. Newport, Co Mayo, wasn’t messing around either, reaching 25.7 degrees by 3.39pm. The previous highest April temperature there was a sad 23.4 degrees back in 2011.
But wait, there’s more. Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon, decided to show off by reaching 25 degrees, beating the previous April record of 22.3 degrees set just the day before. Shannon Airport also joined the party by hitting 25 degrees, overtaking the previous 23.5 degrees recorded in April back in 2003. And let’s not forget about Valentia Island, Co Kerry, where they peaked at 24.7 degrees, breaking the previous April record of 24 degrees from way back in 1984.
The folks at Met Éireann were all over this, announcing the new provisional record-high April temperature of 25.9°C for Ireland. Aoife Kealy, a forecaster at Met Éireann, even said, “It is the warmest day of the year so far.” So, you know it’s a big deal.
Now, the May bank holiday is coming up, and it’s looking like it’ll be dry and sunny. But don’t get too used to the warmer air because it won’t stick around for the weekend. While Wednesday and parts of Thursday were forecast to be over 20 degrees, Friday is going to be cooler and cloudier.
If you’re in Dublin, well, tough luck because you won’t be able to head south on the Dart this bank holiday weekend. The line between Grand Canal Dock and Greystones is closing between Saturday and Monday for some engineering works. Irish Rail is trying to make it up to you by offering bus transfers and some alternative routes, but it’s still a bit of a bummer.
As for the weather, Thursday will be a mixed bag. The north will be cool while the south stays warm. Expect Connaught and Ulster to be on the chilly side with temperatures between 12 and 17 degrees. Meanwhile, Leinster and Munster will enjoy highs between 18 and 24 degrees.
Friday will see some sunshine but a few light showers as well. Temperatures will drop pretty low overnight, hitting four degrees in some areas. Saturday starts off nice and bright but clouds will roll in, bringing light rain and drizzle. Temperatures will range from 13 to 17 degrees during the day, dropping to four to eight degrees at night.
Sunday is looking dry and bright, with a chance of showers in the east. Highest temperatures will reach 18 or 19 degrees, but it’s going to get cold at night, dropping to one degree in some areas. And finally, the Monday bank holiday will be sunny with temperatures between 13 and 19 degrees.
Traffic is expected to be crazy on Friday afternoon and Monday evening as everyone heads to the coast for the long weekend. The AA is advising drivers to plan ahead, take it slow, and avoid distractions.
So, there you have it, folks. Looks like Ireland is in for a wild ride with the weather, but hey, that’s just the way it goes sometimes. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!
