Cork weather stations log wettest September in 17 years

TWO weather stations in Cork recorded their wettest September in 17 years last month in what was also a period of hotter than average temperatures, Met Éireann’s weather statement for September 2023 has revealed.

According to the recently published statement, the majority of monthly rainfall totals were above their 1981-2010 Long-Term Average (LTA) last month, with both Roches Point and Cork Airport experiencing their wettest September since 2006.

The number of rain days ranged from 16 days at Roches Point to 24 days at both Sherkin Island and Knock Airport in Mayo.

Meanwhile, the number of wet days – classified as a day with 1mm or more of rainfall - ranged from 12 days at Roches Point to 18 days at both Malin Head in Donegal and Johnstown Castle in Wexford.

The number of very wet days – a day with 10mm or more of rainfall - ranged from three days at a few stations to eight days at Valentia Observatory in Kerry.

24 stations reported highest temperature of the year 

All mean air temperatures across the country were above their LTA for September last month, with 24 stations reporting their highest temperature of the year.

Fourteen stations broke their September maximum temperature record and 10 stations broke their September highest minimum temperature record.

All available sunshine totals were also above their LTA.

As well as high temperatures and heavy rainfall, September also saw the first named storm of the season - storm Agnes.

Gales and gusts 

Gales were reported on September 19, 20, 24, 27 and 28 with up to strong gale winds reported on Wednesday, September 27 during storm Agnes.

The number of days with gales ranged from zero days at a few stations to four days at Roches Point.

The number of days with up to strong gales ranged from zero at most stations to one day at both Sherkin Island and Roches Point.

Both the month's highest gust and 10-minute mean wind speed were reported on September 27.

The highest gust was 63 knots (117 km/h) reported at Sherkin Island, which marked its highest September gust on record.

The month's highest 10-minute mean wind speed was 46 knots (85 km/h) at Roches Point.

Sherkin Island also had its highest September mean wind speed on record with a mean wind of 45 knots (83 km/h).