After enduring a bone-chilling spring season, many are finally experiencing relief as warmer temperatures begin to take hold. The advent of spring this year was marked by unusually low temperatures, with frosty weather and cold winds persisting well into the season. But now, as the sun shines bright and the days grow longer, people across the country are shedding their winter gear and embracing the warmer weather. From beach trips to outdoor barbecues, the arrival of summer is a welcome respite from the prolonged cold snap that many suffered through this spring.
A spell of warm and settled weather is on the way for Ireland, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 18 to 19 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country over the coming days. This comes as a relief to farmers and gardeners who have been struggling with the cold weather this spring, resulting in mediocre growth at best.
According to Met Éireann forecaster Joanna Donnelly, “it will be a fine week for the garden”. The warmest weather will be in the midlands area and on the west coast, while sea breezes will keep temperatures lower in the east. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be the best of the days with glorious sunshine across the country, while the weather will stay fine until the weekend, although it will not be as warm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Ms Donnelly warned that “sea temperatures are still very cold, so there will be mist and fog on the coast.” However, she also mentioned that tomorrow looks like it will be a beautiful day with glorious sunshine, although a little bit chillier on the east coast.
Last week, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) issued a warning about how ongoing difficult weather conditions and incessant rainfall were having a massive impact on farmers across the country. After a very wet and cold March followed by more of the same for the first two weeks of April, farmers were enduring six weeks of bad weather.
As a result, livestock are indoors, the sowing of crops has been delayed, and fertiliser for first-cut silage has yet to be spread, according to the IFA. The financial cost of this is spiraling by the week, warned President Tim Cullinan, adding that farmers were “very stressed at the moment”.
With the warm weather on the way, many farmers and gardeners are hopeful that they can make up for lost time and get back on track with their work. The settled weather should allow for better fieldwork and the chance to spread fertiliser, while livestock can finally go out to graze on the fields.
Overall, this spell of warm weather couldn’t have come at a better time for Ireland, and it is hoped that it will bring some much-needed relief to those who have been impacted by the challenging weather conditions. As the fine weather continues, it is important to stay safe in the sunshine, whether working outside or enjoying time in the garden.
