Met Éireann reveals December 2021 was warmer than usual with highs of almost 15C

The national forecaster’s most recent weather statement has revealed that seven Irish weather stations had their highest minimum temperature for the month of December on record.

The month’s highest temperature was recorded at Phoenix Park, Co Dublin and Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin on Friday 31st with a toasty high of 14.6 degrees.

This is quite the turnaround from the previous year, as 22 weather stations flagged the month as their coldest December since 2010.

Mean temperatures for December 2021 ranged from 6.1C at Knock Airport in Co. Mayo to 9.6C at Sherkin Island in Co. Cork.

Meanwhile, December 2021 was also wetter than usual, with the majority of monthly rainfall totals surpassing their Long-Term Average.

Cork Airport saw the highest number of rain days for the month after 26 showery days while the highest daily rainfall total was 58.9mm at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford on Christmas Day - its highest daily fall for December on record.

The rain was especially widespread and heavy on Wednesday 22nd, Saturday 25th (Christmas Day), and Thursday 30th, with the south, east, and midlands receiving the bulk of the rain. It remained mild throughout this period.

Overall, last month was mild with low-pressure dominating the first and final thirds, bringing above average rainfall.

The middle third of the month was relatively dry with high pressure in control.

On Tuesday 7th, Storm Barra slowly crossed the country from west to east bringing widespread heavy rain, gales and storm force winds, which continued into Wednesday 8th.

Both the month’s highest gust and 10-minute mean wind speed were reported on December 7th during Storm Barra.

The highest gust was 73 knots (135 km/h) reported at Sherkin Island, Co. Cork (its highest maximum gust for December on record), while the month’s highest 10-minute mean wind speed was 56 knots (103 km/h) at Mace Head, Co. Galway.