Last month was the driest July and the third hottest month ever documented in Ireland, Irish forecaster Met Éireann said.
Second hottest July since 1900
The national mean temperature last month was 17.25C, the second hottest July on record after a temperature of 17.34C recorded in July 2013. It was also the third hottest month overall, with the hottest month recorded in August 1995 with a temperature of 17.75C.
The hot spell, caused by high pressure dominance, saw heatwaves recorded at seven stations across Ireland, which were between five and 13 days long. Moore Park in Co Cork recorded the second longest heatwave on record with 13 days, while the south and the east experienced long dry periods of high temperatures and sunshine. The north and west experienced some rain and cloud, particularly early and late in the month.
Hosepipe bans and wildfires
The second hottest July since 1900 and one of the sunniest months on record saw a hosepipe ban issued in certain counties, a breakout of wildfires in Dublin and Kerry and thunderstorm warnings. People were warned last month of water safety issues, heat stress and forest fires during the hot spell.
Driest July on record
Last month was also the driest July on record, where 16mm of rain was recorded, or 17% of the long-term average for the period between 1991 to 2020. Five of the 10 warmest Julys have occurred since 2001, while none of the 10 coolest Julys occurred recently. Of the top 10 wettest Julys, half have occurred since 2001, and of the top 10 driest Julys, two have now occurred since 2001, one of which was this year.
