Ireland experienced its second-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures slightly below the record set in 2023, according to Met Éireann.
Ireland’s Warming Trend Continues
The average annual air temperature for Ireland in 2025 was 11.14C, compared to 11.21C in 2023. The long-term average between 1961 and 1990 was 9.55C, rising to 10.17C between 1991 and 2020.
The past four years, from 2022 to 2025, represent the warmest years on record for Ireland, with seven of the ten warmest years occurring since 2005.
Storm Éowyn and Extreme Weather
Last year began with cooler weather, but was significantly marked by Storm Éowyn, which brought the highest winds ever recorded in Ireland. A gust of 99.5 knots (184 km/h) and a ten-minute average wind speed of 76.5 knots (142km/h) were recorded at Mace Head in Galway on January 24.
Following a cool start, last winter finished warm overall, leading into the warmest and sunniest spring on record. Twenty-three out of 25 stations reported their warmest spring.
April was the third warmest April on record, with 17 stations reporting their highest daily maximum temperature for the month at 25.9C. A marine heatwave also developed off the west coast during April and May, with sea surface temperatures exceeding 2C warmer than average in some coastal areas.
Warm Summer and Wet Autumn
A very warm summer was also recorded, with five stations registering their warmest summer on record and five others experiencing their warmest summer in 30 years. September brought cooler temperatures, ending a period of warm weather stretching from February to August.
Despite a relatively dry period up to August, the final four months of the year were exceptionally wet, with numerous heavy rainfall events. Last autumn was the fourth wettest on record, and preliminary data indicates that 2025 was the 15th wettest year since 1941.
“We experienced five named storms in 2025, as well as a number of impactful rain events,” said climatologist Paul Moore. “The continued warming brings with it the increasing risk of severe weather events.”
Met Éireann stated that Ireland’s overall warming aligns with the global warming trend, and projections indicate further warming in the future. This temperature change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events. Rainfall patterns are also expected to shift, with an increase in both dry periods and heavy rainfall events.
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