Giants, Causeway, Ireland. Credit: jmdaoust. Pixabay
Ireland is basking in a rare spell of early summer sunshine this May, with temperatures set to soar higher than Bilbao, Spain.
Met Éireann and weather experts say high pressure will keep the country dry and bright, though chilly nights and frost are still possible.
Dry and sunny weather across Ireland this May
According to Met Éireann forecaster Aoife Kealy, high pressure is firmly in place, ensuring clear skies and sunshine across Ireland for the May Bank Holiday weekend and beyond.
“High pressure won’t be going anywhere for the time being,” Kealy told The Irish Sun, adding: “We do have plenty of dry and sunny weather on the cards.”
Monday, May 5, will bring sunshine and rising temperatures, especially in the west. Kealy said Monday will see highs ranging from 11°C in the east to 17°C in the west, again under mostly clear skies and light winds.
Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to climb steadily.
“The temperatures are slowly going to increase day on day,” said Kealy. “Tuesday is going to be another dry day with sunshine.”
Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel confirmed that the country is experiencing an exceptionally dry spring, and the current settled spell may last for weeks.
“The latest weather models continue to indicate that dry conditions will persist for the next 2-3 weeks at least,” Nolan told Galway Beo, adding that temperatures will return to the 20s next week.
By Wednesday, highs of 14°C to 18°C are expected, with similar conditions on Thursday. A few light showers may drift in from the east, but the high-pressure system looks set to stick around into next weekend.
Frost warnings in Ireland, despite daytime heat
Despite daytime highs, forecasters are cautioning about chilly, frosty nights due to the clear skies.
“We’re in the midst of an exceptionally dry spring… with another side effect of the clear skies being the potential for ice and frost overnight,” Nolan warned.
This May could end up being one of the driest on record for Ireland. But the unusual spring warmth brings its own risks, including potential droughts and crop concerns if rain continues to stay away.
Have you noticed a sudden weather shift where you are in Ireland?
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