New temperature record at Mullingar today

Mullingar is one of the locations that have recorded new temperature records today, according to Met Éireann.

The temperature today was 30.4°C - 11.2°C above the long term average (LTA).

In commentary on the webpage for their new Climate Services Division, Met Éireann have recorded a number of new temperature records this month.

It reads:

Notably, the Phoenix Park weather station has reached a number of milestones, by provisionally recording its highest temperature since data was first recorded in the early 1800s, reaching 33.1°C on Monday 18th July 2022 around 3:30pm, this is:

The 2nd highest temperature on record for Ireland, being 0.2°C below the all-time record of 33.3°C observed at Kilkenny Castle on Sun 26 June 1887

The highest in the 21st century – beating Elphin, County Roscommon’s record of 32.3°C on Wednesday 19th July 2006

Higher than any temperature of the 20th century, the previous maximum being 32.5°C at Boora, County Offaly on Tuesday 29th Jun 1976

Highest temperature ever recorded in Dublin.

12.8°C above its long-term average (1981-2010 LTA)

Other stations which have recorded provisional highest-ever temperatures are Dunsany, County Meath at 30.2° (10.7°C above LTA), Mullingar, County Westmeath at 30.4°C (11.2°C above LTA), Ballyhaise, County Cavan at 30.5°C (10.7°C above LTA) and Mount Dillon, County Roscommon at 31.0°C (11.3 above LTA).

To verify a new temperature record, a number of steps will now be undertaken: a committee of experts has to examine the observation, the equipment, calibration and observation practices, how the temperature corresponds to surrounding stations and its own observational record.

As temperature records are broken in Ireland, continental Europe is experiencing its second heatwave of the summer, causing wildfires, droughts and heat-related mortality.

Increases in the frequency and intensity of extremely hot weather are directly linked to climate change, which will continue to affect Ireland.

As Ireland’s climate changes, the needs of Met Éireann’s users change too. To respond to these demands Met Éireann have established a new ‘Climate Services Division’.

This division will enhance Met Éireann’s provision of climate services and ensure the provision of the best possible climate information to users, policymakers and the general public.

Keith Lambkin, head of the new Climate Services Division, said: “Our new division will enhance the translation of past and projected climate data into usable actionable information, making it easier for Irish sectors to make long lasting, climate sensitive decisions.”

Met Éireann’s new Climate Services Division comes as a response to the recent government decision to establish a National Framework for Climate Services for Ireland. Met Éireann, in collaboration with its many partners, will lead the development of this framework.

“A National Framework for Climate Services will support sectors, businesses, policymakers and planners who need help understanding and applying climate information in their decisions," said Keith.

"It helps ensure we are all singing from the same climate hymn sheet. This is particularly important in cross-sectoral decision making as we adapt to our changing climate.”

Among the many climate services under development, Met Éireann are working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the SEAI and others to produce tailored climate information to investigate potential overheating in Irish buildings of the future.

This climate information can help architects and builders to design modern climate-proofed offices, homes and hospitals to ensure they can cool themselves, as well as retain heat.

Keith concluded: “As the population of Ireland increases, it is essential that we adapt to future temperature extremes.”