Met Éireann has confirmed July 2026 as the second hottest July on record, with the national average temperature reaching 17.25°C, 1.87°C above the long-term average.

The prolonged warm weather led to dry spells at 25 weather stations, absolute drought at 20 stations and partial drought at a further 15 stations.

Data from weather stations nationwide show many areas received just a fraction of their long-term average rainfall, raising concerns for grass growth and water supplies on farms.

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At Johnstown Castle Co. Wexford just 1.5mm of rain was recorded during July, compared with 57.2mm in July 2025, 58.5mm in 2024 and 124.7mm in 2023. The station’s long-term July average stands at 78.8mm.

Oak Park, Co. Carlow had a similar outlook with only 1.5mm of rain recorded in July. That compares with 59.8mm last July, and a long-term average of 61.2mm.

Further west in Gurteen, Co. Tipperary 4.7mm was recorded throughout July, while Mullingar measured 7.1mm. These figures are well below their long-term July averages of 73.9mm and 79.5mm.

Wetter coastal areas such as Mace Head, Co. Galway also experienced a drier month. Some 9.4mm was recorded for July 2025, compared with a long-term average of 79.5mm. Shannon Airport received just 11.3mm of rain, against its long-term average of 75.8mm.

Rainfall was also considerably low in the west and south west. Athenry Co. Galway recorded 15.8mm, Valentia Observatory had 14.0mm, and Sherkin Island received only 3.1mm.

Met Éireann rainfall data

July also brought above average sunshine across the country, with Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford breaking the national record for the sunniest month on record. The highest temperature of the month, 30°C, was recorded at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, on 12 July.