After a wet start, most of April was dry and sunny with above normal temperatures. Mean air temperatures for the month of between 10°C and 12°C were around three degrees higher than normal and it was the warmest April on record at most stations. At the long-term stations of Malin Head and Valentia Observatory it was the warmest April in over a century of record, but in some eastern areas it was not as warm as April 2007. Highest temperatures this month were recorded mainly on the 10th and during the period 20th to 22nd, when daily maximum values rose above 20°C. These were the highest April values for at least eight years in many places and Malin Head’s maximum of 20.8°C on the 22nd was the highest recorded for April since the station opened.
Most stations recorded between three and 14 ground frosts during the month, around average for the time of year, but with little frost observed near the Atlantic coast. Rainfall accumulations were below average at most stations this month, receiving 40% to 90% of normal, but totals were above average for the time of year at Belmullet, Malin Head and Claremorris.
Almost all of the month’s rainfall fell during the first half, with heavy falls during the first week, some with thunder. Most stations recorded between four and nine wetdays during the month (days with 1mm or more rainfall), around half of the normal number for April of between 10 and 13 wetdays. Sunshine totals were above normal across the country, with highest monthly totals in the east.
Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome both had their sunniest April day on record on the 28th, while Belmullet equalled the highest ever daily value for April with 14.1 hours on the 29th.
Source Met Eireann
