Temperature records broken as Met Éireann establish new Climate Services Division

Issued: Monday 18 July 2022
Updated: Tuesday 19 July 2022

Yesterday, Monday 18 July 2022, saw multiple temperature records provisionally broken at various Met Éireann weather stations nationwide. Notably, Phoenix Park, Co Dublin has reached a number of milestones, by provisionally recording its highest shaded air temperature since data was first recorded here in the early 1800s, reaching 33.0°C (12.8°C above its 1981-2010 long-term average of 20.2°C) on Monday 18th July 2022 around 2:40 pm (13:40 UTC).

This observation passed initially checks this morning by Met Éireann’s Observations Division. Verification continues however and if no other meteorological station returns a higher temperature in the coming days, this will potentially be:

  • highest July temperature ever recorded – having achieved 0.7°C more than the previous record holder at Elphin, Co Roscommon which was set on Wednesday 19 July 2006;
  • 2nd highest temperature on record for Ireland, being 0.3°C below the all-time record of 33.3°C observed at Kilkenny Castle on Sunday 26 June 1887;
  • highest in the 21st century – beating Elphin, Co. Roscommon’s record of 32.3°C on Wednesday 19 July 2006;
  • higher than any temperature of the 20th century, the previous maximum being 32.5°C at Boora, Co. Offaly on Tuesday 29 June 1976; and
  • highest temperature ever recorded in Dublin.

To verify a new national temperature record, a number of steps will now be undertaken: a committee of experts has to examine the observation, the equipment, calibration and observation practices, how the temperature corresponds to surrounding stations and its own observational record. Over the course of the next few months, the potential new July record will pass through this process.

Along with Phoenix Park, other stations have also provisionally observed their highest-ever temperatures yesterday:

  • Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin observed 31.9°C (12.1°C above its LTA) which is 9th highest overall
  • Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon observed 31.4°C (11.7°C above its LTA)
  • Gurteen, Co Tipperary observed 31°C (11.2°C above its LTA)
  • Ballyhaise, Co Cavan observed 30.8°C (11.0°C above its LTA)
  • Dunsany, Co Meath observed 30.5°C (11.0°C above its LTA)
  • Athenry, Co Galway observed 30.5°C (11.0°Cabove its LTA)
  • Mullingar, Co Westmeath observed 30.4°C (11.2°C above its LTA)
  • Dublin Airport, Co Dublin observed 29.6°C (10.2°C above its LTA)

As temperature records are broken in Ireland, continental Europe is experiencing its second heatwave of the summer, causing widespread impacts including wildfires, droughts and heat-related mortality. Increases in the frequency and intensity of extremely hot weather are directly linked to climate change, which will continue to affect Ireland.

New Climate Services Division for Ireland

As Ireland’s climate changes, the needs of Met Éireann’s users change too. To respond to these demands Met Éireann have established a new ‘Climate Services Division’. This Division will enhance Met Éireann’s provision of climate services and ensure the provision of the best possible climate information to users, policy-makers and the general public.

Keith Lambkin, Head of the new Climate Services Division comments: “Our new Division will enhance the translation of past and projected climate data into usable actionable information, making it easier for Irish sectors to make long lasting, climate sensitive decisions.

Met Éireann’s new Climate Services Division comes as a response to the recent government decision to establish a National Framework for Climate Services for Ireland. Met Éireann, in collaboration with its many partners, will lead the development of this framework.

A National Framework for Climate Services“, Keith continues, “will support sectors, businesses, policy-makers & planners who need help understanding and applying climate information in their decisions. It helps ensure we are all singing from the same climate hymn sheet. This is particularly important in cross-sectoral decision making as we adapt to our changing climate.

Among the many climate services under development, Met Éireann are working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the SEAI and others to produce tailored climate information to investigate potential overheating in Irish buildings of the future. This climate information can help architects and builders to design modern climate-proofed offices, homes and hospitals to ensure they can cool themselves, as well as retain heat.

Keith concludes, “As the population of Ireland increases, together with our changing climate, it is essential that we adapt to future temperature extremes.