Almost all temperatures recorded last month were above the long-term average, according to Met Éireann’s Weather Provisional Statement for August, released on Thursday.
Most rainfall totals were below average for the month, however, a new record was set for highest daily rainfall in August.
The record-breaking rainfall occurred in Mullingar on Thursday , August 5th, when 71.1 mm of rain fell, the largest amount in August since Met Éireann began recording this 71 years ago.
The weather station in Athenry, Co Galway registered the highest air temperature for August since 1976 of 26.3, on Thursday 26th August, or 7 above the long-term average.
The Cork Airport weather station recorded the highest monthly total of sunshine.
The southern airport got 164.3 hours of sunshine in August, with a daily average of five and half hours.
Gurteen, Co Tipperary, had the lowest amount of sunshine last month. The weather station there recorded an average of just 3.63 hours of sun per day.
Belmullet, Co Mayo recorded the highest amount of sunshine on one day on Tuesday 24th of 13.4 hours.
Overall, Met Éireann said August was a “mild and changeable” month, but towards the end, the weather became very hot and dry.
Moving into this weekend, the weather will become wetter, with rain showers expected on Saturday and Sunday.
“Friday will be dry again in most places and rather cloudy,” said Emer Flood, a meteorologist with Met Éireann. “There will be very limited sunny spells, the best of which will be in the north east.”
It will also feel chilly at times, with highest temperatures between 16 and 19.
A gradual change will occur over the weekend, with the dry weather becoming more unsettled.
“There might be a few light passing showers on Friday, however most areas will stay dry,” said Ms Flood. “On Saturday, there will be a greater number of showers, but they shouldn’t be too heavy.”
Winds will change from an easterly direction to a southerly one, bringing a warmer air mass over Ireland. “Although it will change to feel a bit warmer over the weekend, it will bring rain later on Saturday night and Sunday.”
Rainfall will be heaviest in the south west. “It’s a notable change from what we’ve been experiencing lately,” added Ms Flood.
On Monday, the rain will become more patchy, and will clear to make way for drier days early next week. The temperature will remain warm, potentially reaching the 20s.