There was warm weather throughout the month of July, with it being sunnier and drier in the south and east of the country, according to Met Éireann's monthly weather report for July.

The month began with a mixture of cloudy weather and sunny spells.

However, the second week was rather unsettled, with heavy rain falling in places between 19 and 21 July, mainly due to frontal rain bands.

The weather then improved in the fourth week, as a hot plume of air originating from north Africa and Spain travelled over western Europe.

This provided record temperatures in several counties, especially in the east of the country.

Rainfall and temperature averages

Rainfall totals across most regions of the country were below the long-term average (LTA), being driest in the south and east.

Values ranged from 43%, with only a monthly rainfall total of 33.9mm, to the month's highest total of 120.2mm at Claremorris, Co Mayo. Roche's point, Co Cork, recorded the least amount of rainfall at 32.5mm.

The number of wet days in the month ranged from six days at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, and Co Roscommon to 18 days at Belmullet, Co Mayo.

Only four wet days were recorded at Moore Park, Fermoy, Co Cork.

The month’s highest temperature was reported at Phoenix Park in Dublin on 22 July at 26.6°C, with the lowest air temperature being recorded in Markree, Co Sligo, on 3 July at 3.6°C.

No ground frost was recorded throughout the month.

Making hay

The good bouts of weather during the month allowed farmers to stock up their fodder reserves, with plenty of hay and silage made during the month of July.

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