Early weather signs point to a potentially warmer than average summer in Ireland, fueling talk of a record breaking season.
People enjoying the good weather on Portmarnock Beach, Dublin on June 28, 2018(Image: Collins)
It might feel like summer has only just begun, but there are already signs that something bigger could be on the way. After a fairly average start to May, attention is now turning to what weather the rest of the season could bring.
It’s still early days, but some forecasts are hinting at the potential for a standout summer. Met Eireann has said the likelihood of warmer than average temperatures increases through June and July.
In its seasonal outlook for May, June and July, it stated: “The signal from the C3S seasonal models for Ireland during the May, June, July (MJJ) period is for above average temperatures.
“Mean temperatures during MJJ are signalled to be above average overall. Temperatures are likely to trend between 0.2 and 1.0C above average generally. The potential for warmer than average temperatures increases through June and July.”
However, the national forecaster added that rain is less certain, noting: “The rainfall forecast is less certain with no clear signal for above or below average rainfall overall. There is potential for both wetter and drier spells within the three months.”
This early signal has helped fuel growing optimism around the kind of weather Ireland could see as summer develops.
Bookmakers have also reacted to the positive outlook. According to Ladbrokes, odds on “Summer 2026 to be the hottest on record” have been slashed from 4/1 to 2/1, as punters back the prospect of a prolonged spell of warm conditions.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes commented: “Who needs to go abroad for the sun? It looks like we could be in for a record-breaking summer for all the right reasons.”
Heatwaves are often described as periods of several consecutive days with above average temperatures, but a Met Eireann forecaster previously told the Irish Mirror: “That is a working definition used by some other met offices, but the Met Eireann definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C.”
In the meantime, the weather for the coming days looks to be a mixed bag. Today will bring cloud and scattered showers in the south and northeast, while other areas stay largely dry with sunny spells and highs of 9C to 14C.
Thursday is expected to start off bright for many, with sunny spells across much of the country. However, showers will become more widespread through the afternoon and evening, with temperatures reaching 11C to 15C.
Looking further ahead, Friday will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers early on, before brighter and drier conditions develop in parts of the northwest later in the day.
The national forecaster said “there is uncertainty in the weekend forecast”, but current indications suggest a largely dry Saturday for many with sunny spells, however some rain could move into southern areas.
Sunday is likely to bring a mix of sunshine and showers, particularly in the south, while next week is expected to stay changeable, with temperatures likely to remain slightly below average for the time of year.
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