Ireland Breaks May Temperature Record by Over 2C, Reaching 30.6C

Ireland experienced exceptionally high temperatures at the end of May, breaking the monthly record by over 2C. Met Éireann's climate statement noted that while the first two-thirds of May were relatively cool, the final third was very warm, with exceptional highs recorded between May 25 and 27.

The highest temperature, 30.6C, was reported at Shannon Airport on May 26, surpassing the previous record of 28.4C set in Ardfert, Co Kerry, on May 31, 1997. Eighteen stations set new maximum May temperature records between May 24 and 27. All mean air temperatures across the country were above their long-term average (1991-2020).

Conversely, nearly all rainfall totals were below their long-term average. Two stations, Phoenix Park and Casement Aerodrome, recorded absolute droughts lasting 22 days from April 19 to May 10. Met Éireann will also report that this Spring was Ireland's third-warmest on record.

Researchers from Maynooth University, supported by Met Éireann, concluded that these record-breaking May temperatures would not have been possible without human-caused climate change. Dr. Claire Bergin of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre stated, «It is downright alarming to break 30°C in May in Ireland.»