Climate in Ireland

Ireland has an oceanic climate which is mainly determined by the Atlantic Ocean which lies to the west coast of the island. Due to the North Atlantic Drift (part of the Gulf Stream) the climate in Ireland never gets too hot or too cold. However, inland areas get hotter in summer and colder in winter than coastal areas. Ireland’s climate is very changeable – in just one day you can experience both heavy rain and winds and bright sunshine.

The North Atlantic Drift The North Atlantic Drift is part of the Gulf Stream which originates in the Gulf of Mexico. Even though Ireland is on the same latitude as many colder countries the North Atlantic Drift maintains a temperate climate on the island.

TEMPERATURE Due to the Gulf Stream which originates in the south-west Atlantic Ireland never experiences very high or very low temperatures. Inland areas experience cooler winters and hotter summers as they are less affected by the ocean. The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33ºC in The lowest temperature ever recorded was ºC in Average temperatures are 5ºC in winter and 15ºC in summer.

RAINFALL Rain is extremely common in Ireland – on average we experience days of rain per year. Moisture gathered up by Atlantic winds falls as rain once it reaches the west coast making this the wettest area on the island. Most rain falls in autumn as the wet weather from the hurricane season in the USA is carried over the Atlantic by the North Atlantic Drift to Ireland. A temperate climate and abundant rainfall provide the perfect conditions for vegetation meaning Ireland is very green. It is also know as the Emerald Isle.

Vegetation Bogland Grassland (pasture & meadows)

SNOW Snow does not fall on coastal areas due to salt in the sea air. It does not snow often, but when it does the country is paralyzed as the government is often unprepared. Public transport and airplanes are cancelled, schools close and, in rural areas, many people cannot leave their house.

EXTREME WEATHER! Occasionally strong winds from the north bring heavy snowfall and below zero temperatures. Equally, southern winds from Spain and Africa can lead to temperatures of up to 30ºC Last Christmas, freezing temperatures caused burst water pipes across Northern Ireland. Many people were without water for 2 weeks and bottled water had to be shipped over from Scotland! When warm winds coming from southern Europe combine with colder Arctic winds, flash flooding sometimes occurs. This image was taken in late June!

Questions Which current prevents the temperature in Ireland from getting too hot or too cold? Which areas in Ireland experience more extreme temperatures: inland or coastal? What are the average winter and summer temperatures in Ireland? Which part of Ireland is the wettest? What event in America contributes to heavy autumn rainfall in Ireland? What name is Ireland also known by and why? Why does snow not fall on coastal areas in Ireland? What can occur when Arctic winds meet warmer southern winds?