Mullingar has warmest June for 40 years

The weather in Mullingar in June 2010 was drier and sunnier than normal as it was in most parts of the country. The month saw the continuation of a dry spell which has characterised weather across the country since the beginning of the year.June, across Westmeath, like the previous months of this year, was also sunnier than normal and most days were warm. High pressure was the dominant influence over Ireland during much of the month, bringing dry and sunny weather on most days. Monthly rainfall totals were around half of normal in western and northern areas and it was the driest June since 1941 at Malin Head.There was a total of between five and 10 wet days (days with 1mm or more rainfall), compared with the normal range for June of nine to 13. Little or no rain was measured between the 14th and 27th, with most rain falling in the periods 6th/7th and on the 28th and 30th. Mean monthly air temperatures were between one and two degrees higher than normal and it was the warmest June for 40 years at both Mullingar and Cork Airport.Summary of month1st to 5th: After a band of heavy rain cleared eastwards early on the 1st, pressure rose over Ireland to give a spell of dry, warm and sunny weather. Fresh to strong easterly winds at first became light and variable in direction.6th to 9th: A slow-moving depression moved eastwards over the south of the country, bringing rain or showers each day.The heaviest rainfall was over southern areas, where thunderstorms were recorded. This period was generally cloudy, with daytime temperatures below normal.10th to 26th: A ridge of high pressure extended northeastwards from the Azores anticyclone, giving a long spell of settled weather over Ireland. A frontal system gave some thundery rain on the 13th, mainly in eastern areas, but otherwise rainfall amounts during this period were very small. A northerly airstream gave relatively cool conditions at first, but temperatures rose well above normal after mid-month; sea breezes kept coastal locations cooler on many days. Most days during the period were sunny, particularly between the 19th and 21st, when skies were virtually clear over Ireland.27th to 30th: Frontal systems associated with depressions to the west of the country brought spells of rain or showers, heaviest in southwestern areas. Temperatures remained above normal in a moderate southerly airstream, becoming strong in some coastal areas on the 30th.