Much of Ireland feels the freeze of coldest February in five years

February was drier and cooler than average, according to Met Eireann’s latest weather report.

Nearly all monthly rainfall totals were below average except for isolated stations in the west and southwest. Most stations reported around two-thirds or less of their expected rainfall for February. Rainfall was lowest at Phoenix Park in Dublin with a monthly total of just 26.4 mm of rain, the month’s lowest rainfall accumulation.

All stations reported wetter conditions in February 2013, with drier conditions recorded in 2012. The wettest days were the 15th and 22nd, with the month’s wettest day of 17.6 mm recorded at Newport on the 22nd.

The majority of stations had their coldest February in five years with the exception of stations in the north, northwest and west.

The highest temperatures were recorded on the 18th, 25th and 28th with the month’s highest temperature of 14.2 degrees reported at Roche’s Point on the 25th. This was the highest temperature to be recorded at Roche’s Point during February in 20 years and its second highest for the month since the station opened in 1956.

The lowest temperatures were all recorded during the first week with the month’s lowest minimum temperature recorded at Dublin Airport on the 3rd with -7.9°C, its lowest for February since 1956 and its third lowest during February since 1942.

Both Cork Airport and Valentia Observatory reported their sunniest February in five years. The sunniest day reported was at Knock Airport on February 14th with 8.8 hours of sunshine.

A few stations in the East, Midlands and West reported their lowest monthly wind speeds in five years.

The number of days with ground frost ranged from six days at Sherkin Island to 22 days at stations in the Dublin area. The number of days with air frost ranged from zero at Roche’s Point to twelve days at Dunsany.