Summer set to be among worst on record, but weekend should be mild

The weather forecasters have confirmed what most of us have suspected - that this is turning out to be one of the worst summers on record.

In some parts of the country, rainfall has been almost twice the normal levels, according to Mr Aidan Nulty of Met Éireann.Sunshine levels are also down, and the summer is distinguishing itself by the virtual absence of any days with high temperatures.

"You'd expect to get a few days in June with temperatures in the 20s, but this year we've only had one or two," Mr Nulty said.

The highest temperature so far this year was a paltry 22 degrees, recorded at Dublin airport on June 21st.

And while the next few days might bring some relief from the seemingly perpetual series of showers all over the country, there is no sign yet of a prolonged spell of sunny weather.Mr Nulty says the period from April to June was among the wettest on record for this three-month early summer period in many parts of the country.

In the high summer period from June 1st up to now, rainfall levels are up by an average of 60 per cent on normal levels.

The coast of Connacht, where rainfall is up by 90 per cent on the average, is the worst-affected area. In Leinster and east Munster, levels are up 80 per cent. In Ulster, Connacht and west Munster, it is up 30 per cent.

The "sunny south-east" has lived up to its reputation, with rainfall pegged to a mere 20 per cent increase on normal levels.

On average, the total number of hours of sunshine is down about 20 per cent, although it seems like more because of the frequent showers. The sunniest regions were the south-east and the extreme north-west, which approached normal levels for this time of year.

This summer's bad weather has had a particular impact on farmers and tourist interests.Many fruit crops have been damaged and blight threatens the potato crop.

Bookings from weather-sensitive home tourists are down.

Perhaps the only good news is that the forecast for this weekend and the early part of next week is reasonably good, with temperatures averaging between 16 and 20 degrees.

Mr Nulty says today should start dry and sunny in most areas, although rain will spread from the west. The rain should be light. It will probably not reach the east coast until night which will be welcomed by all those attending outdoor events.

Tomorrow will bring more mixed weather, although it should stay reasonably mild. Met Éireann is forecasting a mixture of sunshine and clouds, with the possibility of light rain in areas where showers develop.