Rain returns across Ireland

Ireland’s prolonged spell of hot, dry summer weather is giving way to more unsettled conditions this week, with rain returning across much of the country. However, the southeast and east are expected to remain largely dry, exacerbating severe drought conditions that are straining farmers.

Met Éireann forecasts that after one of the hottest and driest summers on record, low-pressure systems will bring clouds and mixed conditions from Monday, August 17. The national outlook indicates a transition to cooler, more changeable weather, marking the shift from summer to autumn.

Monday is expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures reaching between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius in many areas, except in west Connacht and north Ulster where highs of 17 to 19 degrees are predicted. While the south will see sunny spells, rain will develop in western parts by nightfall and spread southwards overnight. Tuesday will see scattered showers and cloud cover, with temperatures cooling to between 17 and 20 degrees. Showers will become widespread and turn heavy on Wednesday, with some prolonged rain, and will continue into Thursday, which will be cooler and fresher.