Change is in the air as we predict future weather
IT is often said that history repeats itself. The frequency of any such repetition is of course subject to many factors, seen and unseen, and with regard to the recent adverse weather that Storm Emma brought last week, it is worth asking how regular such weather events were in the past and what indeed might the future have in store for us all?
Storms, flooding and freezing temperatures have all been documented in Ireland’s past and the Irish Annals, for example, document occurrences of flooding in Ireland over many thousands of years. Indeed the Annals of Loch Cé noted the year 1219 suffered the most remarkable rain for the whole year, save only a few days. Two centuries earlier, we have evidence of a severe frost that lasted from January to March in the year 1008. Since records began we have to go back many years to find the coldest day ever recorded for Ireland, which was -19.1°C at Markree Castle, County Sligo, on 16 January 1881.
Cold weather is one thing, and current thought suggests that we are in store for much warmer conditions in the future, including many heatwaves (defined as consecutive days where temperatures exceed 25°C). Indeed, temperatures have risen by 1°C from pre-industrial levels and are projected to increase by a further 1.5 - 4.5°C by 2100. Coupled with this are rising sea-levels (increasing by approximately 3mm per year) and it has been recorded that by the year 2100 sea levels will have risen by up to 1 metre. This has significant implications for coastal communities and settlements.
With regard to weather in the future, a MET Éireann presentation last December showed that, over the coming years, all seasons will be warmer with more ‘ hot’ days and less frosts and that there will be a decrease in overall rainfall, with however, more frequent days with heavy rain in winter and autumn.
Less rain and more sunshine sounds pleasing in many respects but, as with anything, it is about striking the right balance. In terms of warm weather in Ireland, the hottest day on record was many years ago at Kilkenny Castle on June 26th 1887, where a soaring temperature of 33.3°C was recorded.
The cold weather and heavy snowfall last week certainly affected National Tree Week with many of the week’s scheduled events deferred to this coming weekend. Hopefully the weather will be kinder over the coming days, allowing us plenty of time to get busy planting and learning about the wonderful native trees that surround us all.
One highly anticipated National Tree Week Event takes place on Sunday 11th March in Baile Mhúirne. At this event, Ted Cook will lead a walk in St. Gobnait’s Woods, a Special Area of Conservation. Attendees are to meet at 2pm at the Entrance carpark to the woodland ( just over the bridge across the way from the Mills Pub) and at the event Ted will give a talk on habitat continuity and pressures with the event also including the planting of trees.
For full information on National Tree Week itself and to see the range of events taking place visit www.treecouncil.ie or Cork County Council’s Heritage website – www.corkcoco.ie/ arts-heritage.
On Wednesday 14th March there is a wonderful talk taking place in the Kilmurry Independence Museum, titled ‘ The Ballincollig Gunpowder Story’. The talk, being given by guest speaker Pat Flynn, will document the history and heritage of Ireland’s largest industrial heritage site, the Royal Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills, which operated between 1794 and 1903, employing close to 500 at its height of production in the mid 19th century. The talk commences at 8pm, all welcome.
Earlier on the 14th, there will be a lecture in the Council Chamber, County Hall, to commemorate the 190th Anniversary of Major General Patrick Cleburne. The talk, which commences at 4pm, will be given by LaDona and Liam McAlister.
Cleburne, born in Ovens, County Cork, became the highest ranking Irish born Officer in the American Civil War and this talk will shed a light on Cleburne’s life in Ireland, the USA and his military time, furthermore delving into his social life and his engagement.
The event will also include a small display of reproduction and original items from the 1860s, including the Hardee Flag and a poster of Cleburne himself. All are most welcome to come along to this event, which has been supported by Cork County Council’s Commemoration Committee.
On Thursday, 15th March, there will be a fascinating talk on the Kilmichael Ambush, focusing on new research. The talk will be given by renowned military historian Gerry White and commences at 8pm, taking place in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery