The main influence on Ireland's weather is the Atlantic Ocean. Ireland does not have the extremes of temperature experienced by other countries at similar latitude.

Our average annual temperature is about 9°C. Termperatures tend to be more extreme in the midlands and in the east of the country. Summer average daily maximum is about 19°C and winter average daily minimum is about 2.5°C in these areas.

Sunshine duration is highest in the southeast of the country.

Average rainfall varies between about 800 mm and 2,800 mm. With southwesterly winds from the Atlantic dominating, rainfall figures are highest in the northwest, west and southwest of the country, especially over higher ground.

Rainfall accumulation tends to be highest in winter and lowest in early summer. The annual number of days with more than 1 mm of rain varies between about 150 in the drier parts and over 200 in the wetter parts of the country.

For up-to-date weather forecasts please consult:

http://www.met.ie/forecasts/

or

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0031