Dry weather in store based on rainfall pattern of late ‘19/’20

WE can at least expect a good spell of dry weather in the weeks and months ahead after one of the wettest winters in memory.

That’s based on the average yearly rainfall patterns and the fact that, in some places, we’ve already witnessed 36 per cent of the annual average since the start of the year alone.

And it was dull and wet ever before the New Year came around, since August last in fact.

“It’s remarkable how little variance there is in the average rainfall each year, so given how much has fallen so far this year, we can expect a good bit of dry weather ahead,” Don Nolan of Liscahane Nursery and Garden Centre in Ardfert – where an official Met Éireann weather station has been in operation for 40 years – said.

August marked the start of the wet period, he explained: “Since August 1 last we recorded just 20 completely dry days. Nineteen had traces of moisture, with the rest recording rain.

“I never remember such a continuous period of damp weather as it, and I’ve been working outdoors most of my life.”

The last ‘ blue-sky’ day – of continuous blue skies from morning until dusk – was September 19 last. “It was around the Ploughing Championships and the Listowel Races when we had three brilliant days, September 17, 18 and 19. That was the only good spell since August 1.”

But there’s likely good news ahead on the climate front at least, based on the rainfall to date.

“Kerry is incredibly variable when it comes to rainfall. Since the start of January, for instance, Tralee has had 36 per cent of its annual rainfall whereas Ardfert has had 24 per cent, and they are only five miles apart.

“Go back to Cloghane and places and it could be even higher. When you get rainfall early like that, it generally means there is a lot of dry weather in store,” Don added.