Evelyn Cusack from Met Eireann told Newstalk today, “We are due a fine summer.”

“The odd time we have bouts of extreme weather, either cold or hot, but this is very rare. The hottest heat wave on record was back in 1995 and each year we hope for the same but it’s an exception.”

Met Eireann recorded a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius in Kilkenny on Tuesday, July 18^th, 2006.

The highest temperature recorded since records began was 33.3C also in Kilkenny at the city’s castle on June 26^th, 1887.

The history of temperature in Ireland

Met Eireann say air temperatures are measured at a height of approximately 1.2 m above a flat surface which is covered with short grass.

“The thermometers are housed in a white painted wooden louvred shelter known as a Stevenson Screen.”

Our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means the country does not encounter higher temperatures as our European counterparts do.

“Although our inland stations show more variation, even at these there is only about one day or less per year when the air temperature stays below freezing point.

“Minimum air temperature falls below zero on about 40 days per year at the inland stations, but on less than 10 days per year in most coastal areas.

“Air temperatures inland normally reach 18 to 20 °C during summer days, and about 8 °C during wintertime.”

The highest temperature on record during the 20^th century was 32.5C at Boora, Co. Offaly on June 29^th, 1976.

The lowest ever temperature was -19.1°C at Markree Castle, Co. Sligo on January 16^th, 1881 and -18.8°C recorded at Lullymore, Co. Kildare on January, 2nd 1979 in the 20^th century.

“Minimum air temperature falls below zero on about 40 days per year at the inland stations, but on less than 10 days per year in most coastal areas.

“Air temperatures inland normally reach 18 to 20 °C during summer days, and about 8 °C during wintertime.”