As if we needed to be told, the official weather data for August has been released by Met Eireann, revealing that August was another damp – or soaking – squib. Rainfall figures show that July and August have been, respectively, 1.6 and 2 times the average at the Belmullet weather station.
Here in Mayo we should be grateful, however, as some parts of Ireland have been far wetter, with nearly 4 times the seasonal average falling at Johnstown Castle in July, and 2.5 times the mean at Valencia in August.
Interestingly, the temperature and sunshine figures for Belmullet have been slightly above average, 6% & 7% respectively. The summary, then, is warmer and wetter, which happens to be just what the climate change model is predicting.
Life in Currane
achill, Currane, Ireland, life, Mayo, weather
me in my work clothes
The temperature is plummeting again: 0.7C outside the window; a balmy 10C in the office. Last night’s ice didn’t melt during the day. Poor chickens, hope they make it through the night.
Here’s me at my desk, showing off my new corporate uniform!
Life in Currane
Currane, lifestyle, weather
Living on the west coast of Ireland we benefit from the North Atlantic Drift (a.k.a. Gulf Stream) which not only encourages the growth of unexpected plants, but also makes heavy frosts quite a rarity. Last night, however, was about as cold as I’ve ever experienced here thanks to the high pressure zone sitting on top of us at the moment. Even at 11am there was still plenty of ice around:
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despite being in the sun for some time, our driveway is still frozen in places
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even the chickens’ water bowl had a thick layer of ice
The cold, clear, crisp air and the crunch of frozen grass underfoot is rather pleasant, at least as a novelty. I hope it doesn’t stay cold for too long though, especially as it seems that our mains water pipe has frozen!
Life in Currane
Currane, lifestyle, weather
