Met Éireann claims July the wettest month on record

Four times as much rain fell in Ireland in July compared to the same month last year.

That's according to Paul Moore, a climatologist with Met Éireann, who was speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme.

He said that early data shows the rainfall for July was at 215% of the long-term average without including yesterday, and that this has been compared to the first data taken in 1940.

The previous wettest was recorded in 2009 and this was 202% of its long-term average.

"Seventeen of the 25 weather stations have had over 200% of their long-term average, with 12 stations having record high rainfall for July," said Mr Moore.

He added that the midlands and east were also wetter on average.

"The climate projections are showing that there will be more intense heavy rainfall events but also longer, drier periods," continued Mr Moore.

He explained that Ireland will continue to have rising temperatures and higher annual rainfall.

Speaking about what is ahead for August, he said that there was "no good news" for the next week.

"It looks to stay unsettled for at least the next week with low pressure in charge. There's this low pressure coming in and over the next few days and then another one coming in over the weekend so it does look like it will stay unsettled."