The town of Claremorris in Co Mayo had its coldest July in 50 years and its third-coldest July since 1950, when records began. However, the entire country also suffered since all monthly mean air temperatures were below their LTA (Long-Term Average), with most stations reporting deviations from normal of -1.0°C or more.

Stations at Cork Airport, Johnstown Castle, Mullingar and Shannon Airport all reported their coldest July since 1988. Mountdillon in Co Roscommon recorded the lowest temperature of the month on 24 July with 3.1°C. The majority of lowest temperatures were recorded between 24 July and 28 July.

Coincidentally, the month’s highest temperature of 23.8°C was also recorded at Mountdillon on the first of the month. Nearly all the highest temperatures were at the start of the month (between 1 July and 3 July).

Parts of the country also saw their wettest July in five or six years, such as Cork Airport, which had its wettest July since 2009. All monthly rainfall stations had above-average rainfall for the month, with the wettest day also recorded at Cork Airport on the 6 July with 41.3 mm, its wettest July day in 10 years.

However, there was still some sunshine during the month, with the most sunshine in one day (14.0) hours reported at Belmullet, Co Mayo, on 5 July.

The number of dull days (days with less than 0.5 hours of sun) ranged from two at numerous locations to nine at Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry.

As for wind speeds, the the month’s highest 10-minute mean wind speed and month’s highest gust were reported at Malin Head on 17 July with 42 knots (77km/h) and 57 knots (105km/h) respectively. This was its highest gust for July in five years, with its 10-minute wind speed the highest recorded during July since 1988.

Following on from June’s good report we say July must try harder next year. Here’s hoping August restores the balance.

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