IRELAND looks set to bask in “more summer-like” weather as rainfall amounts fall below average and temperatures climb up in some areas in just a few days.
Forecasters have revealed a “very strong signal” of better conditions into the second half of July – but Met Eireann warned not every area will bask in sunshine and heat.
Ireland will endure some rain before conditions brighten up[/caption]
The weather forecasters said conditions this week will continue to be dull, damp and changeable, with a westerly airflow likely to continue to dominate the weather.
Met Eireann said temperatures are expected to remain average for this time of year, with a signal of above average temperatures in parts of the east and southeast.
The forecasters said rainfall amounts are expected to be below average for most of the country, with the exception of the north which is signalling average or slightly above rain.
Met Eireann said next week looks set to bring more of the same, but conditions may improve slightly towards July 13.
Temperatures are expected to be above average while rain is expected to fall in average amounts, but those in northern regions and along Atlantic coasts may be blasted by slightly more rain than normal for the time of year.
Looking towards July 14, Met Eireann said parts of the south and east may bask in temperatures above average whilst the northeast and far southeast can expect less rain than average.
Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel said high pressure looks set to grip the country from mid July on – hinting that many may see the return of “summer-like” conditions in just a few days.
He explained: “The weather models are now starting to coalesce around the idea that we may see much-improved conditions from the middle of the month onwards.
“That might seem an eternity away. It’s still about seven to 10 days away, but we are starting to see signs that we will see much much-improved conditions during that particular period.
“What we’re starting to see is that a blocking area of high pressure is expected to set up directly over the country.
“So, for those of you who think that summer is very much gone, this is certainly a silver lining. It’s something to cling to over the next couple of days.”
Nolan said it’s important to keep an eye on the models to ensure they don’t keep “pushing” the high pressure out further and further.
But he determined the likelihood is, Ireland will see more settled conditions from the middle of the month onwards.
‘CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY’
Nolan continued: “We’re very cautious not to jump the gun but we have looked at this for a number of days and we are seeing a little bit of consistency now.
“We’ll keep you updated if there are any changes. It is Ireland’s weather after all and it can change rather rapidly.
“But there are increasing signs we will see more settled weather and something a little more summer-like for the second half of July.”
Looking at the likely pressure patterns, Nolan said: “Now that’s what we call a VERY STRONG signal of better conditions into the second half of the month.”
Looking into the fourth week of July, starting on July 21, Met Eireann said forecast confidence is low but there is a “slight signal” for high pressure to build over most of the country.
This would bring more settled weather over Ireland.
WARMER OUTLOOK AFTER RAIN PAIN
Met Eireann added: “Temperatures are indicated to be slightly warmer than average with below average rainfall amounts across the country.”
Meanwhile, looking at conditions today, Met Eireann said this morning will be dry for many with sunny spells, but those in Leinster and east Munster can expect cloudy conditions with some lingering drizzle and mist.
Spells of sunshine will develop more widely through the afternoon, with well scattered showers too and temperatures peaking between 15C and 19C.
Tomorrow will be a fresher day with spells of sunshine and scattered showers, some of which will be heavy or thundery over the northern half of the country.
The showers will become more isolated in the evening.
Met Eireann said temperatures will be 14C at their highest in the northwest and 19C at their peak in the southeast.
The weather forecaster warned conditions are expected to turn “more unsettled” to end the week with outbreaks of rain spreading from the Atlantic.
Temperatures will vary across the country this week[/caption]
The weather patterns show a strong signal of an increase in pressure later this month[/caption]
